The government announced yesterday that it was considering raising the age limit for social media to 16 to curb online harms on children, and possibly impose a smartphone ban for children under 16, in light of a fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old student at a school in Bandar Utama earlier this week.
In a statement, Jamaliah said restricting social media use to those aged 16 and above was crucial given the growing link between social media exposure and bullying, violence, and mental health issues among youths, especially teenagers.
Jamaliah said the age restriction should be enforced through official verification using MyKad, passports, or MyDigital ID, supported by one-time passwords (OTP) to prevent misuse.
“Other countries, such as Australia and Singapore, have already taken similar steps. It’s time for Malaysia to do the same to safeguard our children’s well-being,” she said.
“These measures must be implemented swiftly and effectively as the best tribute to the late student and all other victims. Every child deserves a safe, supportive learning environment.”
Selangor police chief Shazeli Kahar previously said the 14-year-old suspect in the stabbing case had access to certain social media content and violent online video games that might have played a role in the incident.
Enhance school safety
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and communications minister Fahmi Fadzil also announced several measures to enhance student safety yesterday, including deploying police officers in schools and conducting random spot checks of students.
In separate statements today, Segamat MP R Yuneswaran and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail also expressed their support for the government’s push to enhance safety in schools.
Yuneswaran said the move to station police officers at schools would reassure parents and students that schools are safe spaces.
He also supported unannounced spot checks to curb the entry of weapons, drugs, and other dangerous items, and praised the proposal to restrict social media access for those under 16 through electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification.
Rodziah echoed similar sentiments, stating that increased police presence and regular spot checks at schools will help counter social ills.
She also welcomed the Cabinet’s decision for the education ministry to issue weekly inspection guidelines and establish a task force to conduct a comprehensive study on issues faced by schools.
Rodziah highlighted international examples, such as Australia’s upcoming ban on social media for children under the age of 16, and similar discussions in the European Union.
“It may seem like one of the toughest online crackdowns in the democratic world, but we have to view it as firm steps being taken in order to protect our youth,” she said.