Smartphone ban on the cards for those under 16, says Anwar

Summary

• The government is considering a smartphone ban on those below the age of 16 amid rising bullying and violence in schools.

• PM Anwar Ibrahim says social media and online games are increasingly shaping children’s behaviour.

Teenagers below the age of 16 could soon be barred from using smartphones as the government moves to curb the rising tide of bullying and violence in schools.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this was among three immediate measures proposed by the cabinet to address the problem.

He noted that social media and online games were increasingly shaping children’s behaviour - sometimes even leading to criminal acts - and the government was now weighing a prohibition on smartphone use among younger students.

“The proposal is still being studied, but many countries have already implemented similar measures,” he said, adding that firm action was needed and that parents, too, must play their part.

Anwar, who once held the education portfolio, also stressed the importance of active parental and community involvement in reinforcing value-based and moral education.

The prime minister said in Madani, the emphasis is placed on values, morals, and excellence in education - but this must be examined carefully.

“Many are exposed to Islamic education, including tahfiz and religious studies, yet sometimes the awareness and understanding are not truly internalised,” he added.

Anwar said that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek will provide a more detailed explanation soon, including holding engagement sessions with schools, parent-teacher associations and the community.

“I hope all parties, including headmasters, principals, teachers, and parents, will give their full cooperation. Sometimes problems arise due to misunderstandings or differing priorities,” he said.

Raising minimum age limit

Addressing a post-cabinet meeting press conference, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil affirmed that the cabinet is considering raising the minimum age limit for social media users to 16.

The proposal, Fahmi said, is similar to measures taken in several countries, including Australia and Indonesia.

"The age restriction would be enforced through registration using official government documents such as MyKad, passport, or MyDigital ID.

"The MCMC will hold more in-depth discussions with social media platform companies next week in Singapore," added Fahmi, who is also the communications minister.

Don’t prioritise image

In a stern message to school administrators, Anwar cautioned against prioritising image over student safety by concealing incidents of misconduct.

He said headmasters often tried to protect their schools’ reputations.

“If such cases are covered up, it should be considered an offence, as they are essentially protecting criminal activity. Sometimes, they think bullying cases are minor.

“I have heard this myself when meeting students during Friday prayers. They say the bullying isn’t serious, so it’s brushed off. But small cases, if ignored, will eventually lead to bigger ones,” he added.

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