SHAH ALAM, March 31 — Any social media ban for children under 16 must consider potential effects on youths’ future, especially in the digital economy and creative industry, said state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi.
He said a ban could jeopardise the young generation’s digital skills development and limit their opportunities in both industries.
“Many content creators started their careers in their teens, including in editing, storytelling and brand-building. A ban that is too strict could risk slowing these young talents’ growth.
“Access to information and informal learning, such as practical guides online, would also be jeopardised, and widen the digital gap among youth,” he told Media Selangor in response to Indonesia’s move to ban social media use among its under-16s.
However, Najwan said any ban must present positive effects such as reducing early exposure to digital risks such as fraud, exploitation, and cyberbullying, and encouraging more balanced social and physical development.
He added that education- and digital literacy-based approaches, which requires multipartisan collaboration for long-term impact, would help youth build resilience and learn accountability in using social media.
Najwan expressed hope that a balanced approach would ensure the young generation masters critical digital skills without being exposed to the risks of uncontrolled social media use.
On March 28, Indonesia banned social media use for children under 16, making it the first non-Western country to enforce such a block nationwide amid similar regional rules and efforts to strengthen digital safety, especially for young users.
