SHAH ALAM, June 3 — Parents have expressed support for implementing age-verification requirements for children's use of social media, while emphasising that access to digital learning platforms should remain available.
Ezaiuddin Zailani, 36, said the measure is appropriate given that social media exposes children to various risks and unsuitable content.
“Social media is very open, and at times, the current situation seems increasingly difficult to control. Therefore, I believe the government's move is positive, as 16 is considered more mature for social media use.
“However, platforms such as YouTube can also support children's learning processes and speech development. That is why their use should be monitored rather than completely prohibited,” he told Media Selangor.
Ezaiuddin added that his two children, aged five and seven, are only allowed to access YouTube Kids through parent-controlled accounts.
Meanwhile, housewife Nik Hazlinawati Nik Hashim, 39, described stricter enforcement as the right step in light of the growing volume of worrying content on social media.
“Social media does pose risks to children because its content is far too open. Therefore, age verification is a good measure to prevent them from having unrestricted access to all kinds of content.
“Simultaneously, parents must also play their part and not rely solely on external parties. I only allow my children to use gadgets at weekends, and they already understand those rules,” she said.
For Noraida Ismail, 35, efforts to improve online safety should be supported, although access to certain platforms remains important as a learning resource.
“YouTube is sometimes necessary as an educational reference for children. In my view, they do not need their own social media accounts because parents can supervise usage through their own accounts.
“Even if the government tightens regulations, parents remain the most important factor in ensuring children's safety in the digital environment,” she said.
Starting on Monday (June 1), the country began implementing age-verification requirements for registering and creating social media accounts, ensuring that individuals under 16 are no longer permitted to open accounts.
Under the new regulations, users wishing to register an account must provide an official government-issued identification document, such as a MyKad, passport, or MyDigital ID, to verify their age.
For existing users, age verification will be carried out progressively over a period of up to six months by the relevant social media service providers.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said that during this period, existing users identified as being under the age of 16 will be given one month to download or transfer their data, including photographs and videos, before any restrictions, suspensions, or other measures are imposed by the relevant social media platforms.
The age verification requirement applies to licensed social media services, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
