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Malaysia is escalating efforts to enforce a ban on social media accounts for children under 16, with Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasising parental responsibility and monitoring. The Safe Internet Campaign targets thousands of schools nationwide.
Meta has removed 756,000 accounts suspected to belong to Australian users under 16 since the country's December social media ban commenced. The enforcement action comes as regulators consider legal proceedings against non-compliant platforms.
Malaysia's ban on social media for under-16s has sparked debate among psychologists, who acknowledge mental health benefits but warn of unintended consequences for vulnerable youth.
The Philippines is exploring an Australian-style social media ban for minors following the Tacloban City school shooting that killed three students. Senior police officials see curbs on underage online access as crucial to preventing radicalisation and future violence.
Dozens of countries are moving to restrict or ban social media access for children, with Malaysia's legislation taking effect in June. The trend reflects growing global concern over the impact of platforms on young people's mental health and development.