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UNDER-16: PROTECTING CHILDREN IN MALAYSIA'S DIGITAL SPACES

From 1 June 2026, social media platforms are required by law to verify user age. This initiative protects under-16s from online harms while giving parents the tools to guide responsible digital engagement.
 
 
In Effect: 1 June 2026




THE REALITY OF ONLINE RISK


OP CYBER GUARDIAN 2025

CSAM Dirampas
880,000

Ditahan
31

OP CYBER GUARDIAN 2026

CSAM Dirampas
498,694

Ditahan
69

OP PEDO 1.0

CSAM Dirampas
40,000

Ditahan
13

OP PEDO 2.0

CSAM Dirampas
52,000

Ditahan
4



Source: MCMC & PDRM





ONLINE RISKS



Understanding Online Risks

Knowing what your child might encounter helps you have better conversations and take action when it matters. These are the most common risks — and what to do about them.


Harmful Outside Contact

Harmful Outside Contact

Your child may be approached by strangers, including people with harmful intentions. Teach them never to share personal details and to always tell you if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or asks to meet in person.

Inappropriate Content

Inappropriate Content

Children can stumble across violent, sexual, or deeply disturbing content — often served by recommendation algorithms, not deliberate search. The younger the user, the greater the potential impact.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying

Online bullying can be subtle and hard for adults to spot. Watch for changes in your child's mood after device use, reluctance to discuss their online activity, or sudden withdrawal from social situations.

Screen Time & Mental Health

Screen Time & Mental Health

Excessive social media use is strongly associated with anxiety, disrupted sleep, and declining self-esteem in adolescents — particularly among girls. Agree on clear, consistent daily screen time limits as a family.

Privacy & Oversharing

Privacy & Oversharing

Teens routinely overshare. Remind your child that anything posted online — even to close friends — can be screenshotted, saved and redistributed without their consent, potentially long after it is deleted.

Grooming & Online Predators

Grooming & Online Predators

Grooming happens slowly and deliberately. Warning signs include adults seeking secret communication, asking for photos, offering gifts, or making a child feel uniquely understood. Act immediately if you suspect this is happening.





AGE GROUPS



Protecting Under-16s from Online Harms

Every age brings different vulnerabilities. Understanding your child's developmental stage helps you set appropriate boundaries and have the right conversations.


Age 15 and Below

Age 15 and Below

No Social Media Account

  • Build digital literacy and critical thinking.
  • Develop healthy screen habits and emotional resilience.
  • Learn to identify online harmful content.

Age 16 - 17

Age 16 - 17

Enhanced Protection and Supervision for Child Users

  • Social media permitted with parental controls and guidance.
  • Default privacy settings set to highest protection.

Age 18 and Above

Age 18 and Above

Use of Social Media with Safeguards

  • Free to use social media.
  • Platforms remain bound to ensure provision of safeguards under ONSA.





WHAT CHANGES FOR ME?



Who is affected?

The Under-16 policy affects every Malaysian who uses social media, directly or indirectly. Here's what it means for you.


I'm a Parent or Guardian

I'm a Parent or Guardian

"You are your child's first digital guide."

Your child under 16 may access social media through your account, with your knowledge and supervision.
This helps ensure that you remain actively involved in their digital experience, including who they interact with, what they view, and how they spend their time online.
Your guidance, attention and presence are key to helping your child navigate social media safely.

I'm Under 16

I'm Under 16

"Your safety online matters."

If you are under 16, you will need a parent or guardian to guide and supervise your use of social media.
This means you will not be able to create or manage your own social media account independently, but you may still access social media through your parent’s or guardian’s account, with their guidance.
This is not about taking social media away from you. It is about making sure someone you trust is there to help you use it safely, understand what you see online, and know what to do if something feels wrong.

I'm a Teacher or Educator

I'm a Teacher or Educator

"Schools are the second line of support."

Teachers play an important role in strengthening digital literacy and helping students understand why online safety measures are needed.
You can support students by encouraging open conversations about online risks, promoting responsible digital behaviour, and helping them seek support when they encounter harmful or unsafe situations online.





WHAT CAN PARENTS SAY?



Talking to Your Child About the Online World

The most powerful safeguard you have is not a parental control app — it is your relationship with your child. Here are three ways to open the conversation.


1
Lead with curiosity, not concern

Ask what they enjoy online — not just what worries you. Showing genuine interest in their digital world builds the trust that makes them more likely to come to you when something goes wrong.

2
Set rules together, as a family

Agree on screen time boundaries that apply to everyone — including parents. A rule like "no phones at the dinner table — for all of us" carries far more weight than one imposed only on children.

3
Make it safe to speak up

If something goes wrong online, make absolutely clear that your child will not be punished for telling you. Fear of losing device privileges is one of the most common reasons children stay silent about online harm.





CALL FOR ACTION



MCMC’s Technology-Neutral Approach to Online Safety Measures

MCMC supports a technology-neutral approach in the implementation of online safety measures. While platforms may adopt different technical solutions, any age verification mechanism implemented is expected to align with Malaysia’s legal and regulatory requirements, including the use of verification methods based on government-issued records or documents where required.

Platforms are expected to ensure that their implementation is effective, appropriate and compliant with applicable Malaysian laws and standards relating to user safety, privacy, and security. Users are encouraged to refer to the information and guidance provided by their respective platforms regarding the verification process that may be required.

Users can be assured that any measures introduced are expected to meet Malaysia’s legal requirements, while taking into account important considerations such as privacy, security, and the protection of users.

For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below.





FAQs



FAQs documents



FAQ - CHILD PROTECTION CODE (EN)
View PDF

FAQ - CHILD PROTECTION CODE (BM)
View PDF

FAQ - CHILD PROTECTION CODE (CH)
View PDF

FAQ - CHILD PROTECTION CODE (TM)
View PDF