Yes, it’d be the right step

Maryam

“I support Australia’s move to impose a social media ban for children under 16. I believe Malaysia should follow suit. It would be the right step in protecting children. And I say this as someone who’s been using social media since the age of 13.

I’ve seen firsthand how social media has affected younger generations, particularly through my younger sister and her friends. The things they’ve asked me are astounding. From seemingly harmless innuendos to disturbingly detailed crime stories, there appears to be no limit to what kids today are exposed to.

With the normalisation of open discussions on sensitive topics and the rapid spread of political affairs, today’s youngsters are hyperaware of global issues.

This can be viewed as a positive, giving children the advantage of being informed and motivating them to act on change. For example, early awareness of global warming could encourage children to take recycling seriously.

However, I believe some of this knowledge is too much of a burden for young minds. They’d be better off focusing on their upcoming maths quiz rather than scouring the Internet for the latest gossip. 

A ban can be effective, but not on its own. Kids these days need to explore hobbies and activities that take them away from their screens. This could help them learn the importance of time management.

I find it motivating to have a side project. Take knitting, for example. It requires you to be in control of what you want and plan for it – both of which are skills that seem to be lacking in many of today’s younger generation.

Stepping outside for some exercise can also help relieve stress. Even a simple walk can provide a much-needed breather from a student’s hectic life.

I hope our government continues to refine its approach to regulating social media, as it’s clear that the younger generation will find ways around any restrictions.”

– By MARYAM TIK KHALEILAH, 17

No to blanket bans

Navena

“Blanket bans can cause more harm than good. While a ban may address some issues, it does not tackle the root problem of addiction.

What about older users unaffected by the ban who also struggle with social media addiction?

For the younger generation, social media has become a go-to source of entertainment. Enforcing a ban could intensify their cravings for it once they are older.

For children already using social media, sudden restrictions could lead to rebellion and retaliation, especially among those who turn to these platforms for stress relief. The deprivation could cause frustration, often directed at parents. Worse still, those with extreme addiction might turn to less regulated corners of the Internet, exposing themselves to even greater risks.

Enforcement also poses challenges, as some children may bypass restrictions using alternate accounts or VPNs, undermining the policy’s effectiveness. The ever-evolving nature of social media further complicates comprehensive enforcement.

Bans may also stifle educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Social media platforms provide valuable tools for video editing, writing and graphic design, which are instrumental for young creators. Restricting access could limit innovation, learning and market potential, hindering future success.

While banning social media might seem like an easy fix, it brings complex consequences. A more balanced approach – such as enforcing stricter age restrictions – may be more effective and socially acceptable.

The Malaysian government is currently monitoring existing age restrictions rather than imposing a ban. The primary goal of these regulations is to protect children’s mental health and shield them from unfiltered, inappropriate online content.

Rather than an outright ban, limiting children’s access can be an alternative solution. This reduces the risks of cyberbullying and societal peer pressure, bolstering self-esteem and mental well-being. It also promotes online safety and minimises children’s vulnerability to scams.

Furthermore, reduced social media use encourages healthier habits by minimising distractions and promoting focus on academics, extracurricular activities and meaningful real-world interactions. This shift could strengthen family bonds and reduce digital overreliance.

Over time, society may become more open to greater restrictions, rather than facing an immediate, outright ban before it is ready.”

– By NAVENA SRIE, 17

A ban is appropriate

Hayley

“I believe a social media ban would be appropriate. Firstly, it would prevent children from consuming dangerous content, such as trends promoting self-harm and pornography. While this may seem like censorship, given the nature of social media, the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks.

Furthermore, reducing time spent on social media would encourage children to engage in more physical activities.

The effects of prolonged social media use range from health problems, such as strained eyesight and poor posture, to weakened communication skills. Not to mention the dangers lurking online, from cyberbullies and scammers to sexual predators preying on vulnerable individuals.

All of this can take a serious toll on mental health, leading to issues such as self-harm, depression and anxiety. Therefore, a social media ban would have a profoundly positive impact on Malaysia youth.

However, I do not deny that there are risks to such a ban. Without clear provisions, it could be misused – for example, by restricting access to important content.

Social media, particularly certain educational channels, can be a valuable learning tool, especially for children with limited access to physical resources. A blanket ban might seem effective on paper, but in reality, it could backfire. For instance, parents might cut off their children’s Internet access entirely.

While the Malaysian government has stated that it does not intend to implement the same measures as Australia, as of January this year, it has begun monitoring social media platforms to ensure that age restriction regulations – mostly set at 13 years old – are enforced effectively.

The government’s efforts are commendable, but parents must also play their part. They should keep digital devices out of the reach of very young children and provide alternative forms of entertainment, such as board games, books, or even simply engaging their children in conversation.

For platforms with age restrictions, parents must ensure these settings are applied, as some youths find loopholes, such as lying about their age online.

Overall, I still believe Malaysia should impose a social media ban, taking into account various factors to maximise its effectiveness.”

– By HAYLEY POH, 18

All the students featured here are participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.