Malaysia To Ban Facebook, Instagram, TikTok For Kids Under 16 From 2026, Here Is Why

After Australia, Malaysia has now announced a major policy shift that will ban children below 16 years of age from using social media platforms starting in 2026. The move, confirmed by Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil, is aimed at protecting young users from growing online risks such as exploitation, harassment and cyberbullying.Under the proposed law, minors will not be allowed to create or operate accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. The government is already drafting legislation that will make underage access to social media illegal and enforce stricter responsibilities on parents as well.ALSO READ: Australia Blocks Social Media for Minors: Could This Protect Teen Mental Well-Being? Fadzil said the decision

comes amid rising concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and emotional well-being. He stressed that tech companies must deploy stronger age-verification tools instead of allowing kids to easily bypass existing checks.The upcoming legislation is expected to introduce penalties for parents or guardians who knowingly allow their underage children to use these platforms despite the ban.Malaysia’s decision follows a broader global movement to restrict children’s access to social media. Australia has already announced a similar rule set to take effect in December 2025. Malaysian officials say they want to align with such international efforts to reduce exposure to harmful online content and improve digital safety for minors.To ensure smooth implementation, the government is working with technology companies, child-safety groups, educators, and policy experts. This multi-stakeholder engagement will help finalise the framework before the ban is enforced in 2026.The legislation will also empower authorities to monitor compliance and ensure all platforms follow mandatory age-verification standards. Fadzil said that proactive involvement from tech companies is essential for making the internet safer for young users.Malaysia’s planned ban highlights growing international concerns about how social media affects children’s mental health, exposing them to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. As more countries examine their digital policy frameworks, the focus on protecting minors is becoming stronger.