Article by Vianney Paulus
As a parent of a young teenager, I believe it is time we have an honest conversation about responsibility — and who truly bears it when it comes to children and social media.
While concerns about children’s exposure to harmful online content are valid, placing the burden solely on government bans misses the point. The welfare, education and security of our children do not rest with policymakers alone. They begin at home. As parents, we cannot outsource our responsibilities to legislation.
In my own household, social media is not a forbidden subject — it is a guided one. I monitor my daughter’s screen time closely, talk openly about the risks of misinformation, cyberbullying and inappropriate content, and set clear ground rules on when, how and why social media can be used. More importantly, I ensure she feels comfortable coming to me whenever she encounters something troubling online.
Social Media Ban Isn’t The Answer
An under-16 social media ban in Malaysia is unlikely to work in practice. Technology evolves faster than regulation. New platforms will continue to emerge, often beyond the scope of existing controls, potentially exposing children to even greater risks. And let us be realistic — children, by nature, will find ways around bans, whether through shared devices, borrowed accounts or platforms that parents and authorities have yet to notice.
Rather than pushing social media into the shadows, we should equip our children to navigate it safely. When used responsibly, social media offers real benefits: access to educational content, opportunities for social connection, exposure to diverse perspectives and the development of essential digital literacy skills that today’s world demands.
The solution lies not in prohibition, but in partnership — between parents, schools and platforms — to promote digital responsibility, critical thinking and open communication. Laws may have a role, but they cannot replace engaged parenting.
If we truly care about protecting our children, we must first accept that the responsibility starts with us.
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