Malaysia: No penalty for parents if children under 16 use social media

One of the biggest news stories to kick off this week was the Malaysian government’s decision to ban Malaysian teens under 16 from creating social media accounts. That being said, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching also confirmed that parents will not be penalised if their children under 16 create or use social media accounts.

 

Government Emphasises Education Over Punishment

This statement was delivered by Teo Nie Ching during parliamentary proceedings on 24 November 2025. Teo explained that while the government is politically committed to tackling social media and internet addiction among minors, any decision to penalise parents would require full Cabinet discussion and consensus.

 

Distinguishing Internet Use from Platform Accounts

The minister clarified that banning under-16s from social media accounts does not equate to banning all internet or device use. “When we say children under 16 cannot open a social media account, it doesn’t mean they cannot use the internet entirely,” she said.

She noted concerns arise when children are given a smartphone or tablet with unfettered access and without any parental supervision of content. “We’re not saying at this time that there will be punishment for parents — there is no decision yet at the ministry or Cabinet level,” Teo added.

 

Context in Parent and Platform Responsibility

The remarks come as part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to regulate digital platforms and protect minors online. While age-verification measures for social media use are under serious consideration, the ministry emphasises that parental education and supervision play a key role in the interim.

“Parents still have a responsibility to guide their children,” Teo said, naming controlled viewing environments like YouTube Kids as examples where supervision is essential.

 

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