JOHOR BARU: Parental controls remain a critical tool in ensuring children under the age of 13 are shielded from the potential risks of social media, says the Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA).
Its chairman Datuk Ahmad Noordin Ismail emphasised the pivotal role parents play in safeguarding their children online.
“Parents are the first line of defence in this matter; they are the ones providing gadgets to their children, so it’s their responsibility to ensure these devices are used safely,” he said.
Ahmad Noordin noted that children generally need mobile devices for two main purposes: communicating with their parents and completing schoolwork.
“Before handing over a mobile phone or tablet to a child, it’s crucial to set up a parental control account. Parents should also regularly monitor their children’s online activities, including the content they view and the apps they download,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Ahmad Noordin explained that parental controls help filter inappropriate content and block harmful searches, serving as a barrier against exposure to issues such as pornography, paedophiles, sexual grooming and cyberbullying.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to regulate social media platforms, Ahmad Noordin suggested the next step should involve implementing electronic Know-Your-Customer verification systems.
“This would enable social media platforms to prevent underage registrations effectively,” he said, adding that parents must also ensure their personal information is not misused by children attempting to create unauthorised accounts.
Ahmad Noordin called for a multi-pronged approach to combat the dangers children face online. This includes parental vigilance and fostering digital literacy from an early age.
“Parents are encouraged to engage in open conversations about online safety and the potential risks of social media. Awareness is key. Parents need to educate their children about the digital world and the importance of safe online practices,” he advised.
The MCCA also urged schools to play a more active role in promoting responsible technology use and cyber safety, empowering students to navigate the digital landscape confidently.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil reportedly reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reminding social media platforms to enforce age-limit guidelines.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching had also said that Australia’s recent ban on social media access for minors under 16 and France’s legislation requiring parental consent for children under 15 were being reviewed for consideration of similar laws in Malaysia.
In November last year, Australia’s Senate passed a law banning children and adolescents from using social media, becoming the first country in the world to take such a step. The Indonesian government is also reportedly considering following Australia’s lead in implementing a similar ban.
