In early 2025 I dedicated this space to advocating for a ban on social media presence for minors. Several opinions were dedicated to discussing the ban implemented in other countries and the need to consider our own legislation. Last week I read of our government’s legislative agenda which included the drafting of legislation to ban social media for children 12 and under. It is certainly a step in the right direction, but, is 12 and under the age group that should be considered.
Twelve-year-olds are usually those who have just stepped into secondary school life and are usually in their first steps into Form One and the world of older students and stricter studies.
Those under 12 years old are in primary school preparing for their secondary assessment examinations.
Agreeably, younger children may have access to devices and social media, and, sadly, not all of them are properly monitored.
Primary school children do get themselves involved in bullying, fights, arguments and other such behaviour. How often have we seen those primary school situations become trending topics on social media? Our older children, particularly those under 16 years old, are more prone to social media usage. Secondary school fights and videos posted by the students themselves are a trending topic in our country. I recall writing an opinion recently where I commented on a video posted on social media.
The video was of secondary school students raining blows on another student. At that time a parent had remarked that they are doing this for the “likes”. What likes? Well, the “likes” and “shares” on social media. Secondary school children also use social media to bully and intimidate classmates.
In some cases, the fights which eventually find their way on social media has stemmed from long-standing issues, many of which are aggravated by social media usage.
Allowing our children unsupervised and uncensored access to social media not only allows for them to carry on with deviant behaviour, but it allows access to material that they are not mature or responsible enough to appreciate.
Unsupervised and uncensored social media usage puts our children in harm’s way in many differing forms. It allows easy access to unknown persons, where children can be preyed upon, groomed and abducted.
In considering this, we should consider the number of minors that go missing each year and their disappearance is yet to be resolved. Consider for a moment, adults and their use of social media.
Of recent, Facebook marketplace is used as an easy means of luring persons to dangerous or unsafe areas and then robbing them of money and personal items. We have had police officers issue warning concerning responding to advertisements on this site, yet, the responses and robberies continue. If the adults cannot protect themselves from falling victim on social media, do we truly expect that the children will be able to protect themselves?
I have pointed out before, in November 2024 Australia passed their own social media ban for children 16 years old and younger. Yes, it was considered one of the world’s strictest laws at that time. Australia isn’t alone, it appears that they simply paved the way for the rest of the world to follow.
While different countries have considered different aspects of social media and their own bans, the facts remain that Malaysia have followed and implemented their own ban for those under 16.
The United Kingdom was not to be left out and implemented their own bans again for those who were under 16. Denmark is in the process of implementing a ban on children under 15, however, they have allowed for parents to give consent to their children over 13 years to have access. The United States of America is currently considering their own ban, but for children who are under 13.
In considering our own legislation for a social media ban, we should consider children who are over 12. The protection that this ban will afford will be of increased benefit to our older children, the ones who are more susceptible to social media influence and harm.
While Denmark has considered an avenue for parents to give consent to children who have attained a particular age, it is debatable whether that would be an advantage or disadvantage in our country.
We, as citizens, are very critical of the conduct of some of our youths, what we often fail to accept is that the behaviour of these children stem from some place. Many times, it’s the breakdown of homes and communities. So, would all parents truly be prudent enough to determine whether their children should or should not be on social media and then actually take the time to monitor usage, I don’t believe the possibility of that truly exists.
I applaud the idea of a social media ban, and, for those who may think I applaud it because it would not affect me, no, not at all. It affects both my children, but, I rather protection for them, than harm befall them.
Our children are simply not responsible or mature enough for social media usage. Frankly, neither are our adults. But we can at least protect our children and we should.
