ENSURING the safety of children in the digital world requires coordinated action from governments, technology companies, schools, and parents, according to Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Speaking on recent proposals to ban social media access for those under 16, Lee argued that cooperation among all stakeholders could allow young people to enjoy the benefits of digital platforms while mitigating their inherent risks.
"A blanket ban may not necessarily be the most effective or sustainable solution. Social media, when used responsibly, can serve as an important tool for communication, creativity, learning, and social connection in an increasingly digital world," he said.
He warned that outright denial of access could inadvertently hamper digital literacy development and push children to use platforms covertly, making supervision and guidance far more challenging.
Lee highlighted that the online environment presents real dangers to minors, including exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, misinformation, and excessive screen time, all of which can affect mental health, social development, and academic performance.
"Governments have a duty to strengthen safeguards and ensure digital platforms are accountable for user safety, particularly where children are concerned," he added.
Rather than enforcing sweeping bans, Lee advocated for a more balanced approach focused on robust protective frameworks.
Recommendations included implementing stricter age-appropriate design codes, stronger age-verification systems, mandatory parental control tools, and digital supervision features.
He also stressed the importance of comprehensive digital literacy education in schools, clear legal accountability for platforms that fail to protect minors, and public awareness campaigns to guide parents and guardians.
"Ultimately, the goal should not simply be to restrict access, but to cultivate a generation of digitally responsible, resilient, and informed young citizens," Lee said.
"Policies must therefore be guided not only by urgency, but also by evidence, inclusiveness, and long-term societal impact." - February 21, 2026
