Banning Social Media Use For U16 Does Not Fix Underlying Problem
The Consumer Choice Center (CCC) has voiced strong opposition to the MADANI government’s proposal to ban social media use for individuals under 16, warning that the policy is unrealistic, unenforceable, and may put young users at greater risk.
CCC Malaysia Country Associate Tarmizi Anuwar said the proposed blanket ban focuses on political optics rather than effective policy, arguing that restricting access does not address the underlying issues of online safety and youth mental health. “Banning social media does not fix the underlying problem. It only hides it. The real issue is education, behaviour, and guided responsibility,” he said.
Highlighting academic research, CCC noted that outright bans have little impact on adolescent well-being. A 2024 study in JMIR Mental Health found that youth mental health is more closely tied to emotional regulation and digital behaviour than social media access. Experts also warn that prohibiting access can delay digital maturity, suppress healthy engagement, and limit online social support networks.
CCC advocates for an alternative approach focusing on digital education, media literacy, parental involvement, emotional resilience, and fostering responsible online behaviour. “Good policy builds capacity. Bad policy builds walls that young people climb anyway. We should build digitally confident young Malaysians, not raise a generation unprepared for the realities of online life,” Tarmizi said.
The organisation urges policymakers to prioritise education and responsible engagement over blanket restrictions, arguing that guided access is essential for preparing young people for a connected digital world.
