Malaysia has announced plans to ban social media use for children under the age of 16, beginning next year, joining a growing number of countries adopting strict measures to protect young users from online harms.

The move comes amid increasing global concern over digital safety for children, including risks such as cyberbullying, financial scams, exposure to harmful content, and child exploitation.

Government Plans and Implementation

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil confirmed on Sunday that the government is reviewing age restriction mechanisms similar to those implemented in Australia and other countries. These measures aim to ensure that social media platforms comply with Malaysia’s new regulations and prevent children from accessing unsafe online environments.

“We hope by next year that social media platforms will comply with the government’s decision to bar those under the age of 16 from opening user accounts,” Fadzil stated, as reported by local daily The Star.

Platforms affected will include popular global apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Reddit, and X, among others.

Global Context and Comparisons

Malaysia’s announcement follows similar moves worldwide:

• Australia will deactivate accounts of users under 16 starting December 10, 2025, under one of the world’s most stringent regulations for children online.
• France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are testing a joint age verification application to enforce social media age limits.
• Indonesia earlier introduced regulations requiring tech platforms to filter harmful content and implement stronger age verification measures.

These international trends reflect a growing recognition of the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and well-being, with companies such as Meta Platforms, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat facing legal scrutiny in multiple countries over their role in the youth mental health crisis.

Stricter Regulation in Malaysia

Malaysia has recently intensified oversight of social media companies due to concerns over harmful content, including:

• Online gambling promotions
• Content related to race, religion, and royalty

Under new regulations effective since January 2025, platforms and messaging services with more than eight million users in Malaysia are required to obtain official licenses to operate, reinforcing government control over digital content and user safety.

Looking Ahead

The Malaysian government plans to work closely with social media companies to ensure compliance with the under-16 ban. Officials have highlighted that age verification and content monitoring tools will play a key role in keeping children safe online while allowing older teens and adults continued access to digital platforms.

Experts say these measures may inspire similar legislation across Southeast Asia and globally, as countries increasingly balance digital innovation with child protection.