Kuala Lumpur, April 7 — Experts emphasize the need for digital maturity among children and adolescents, noting that social media use requires a certain level of maturity. This call comes as the Malaysian government plans to impose a minimum age of 16 for using these platforms.
Dr. Hjaz Ridwan, an assistant professor and psychologist at the International Islamic University Malaysia, reported that children under the age of 16 are still in an emotional development phase, making them more susceptible to impulsive decisions influenced by emotions rather than rational thinking.
Details of the Event
Dr. Hjaz confirmed that social media use requires a certain level of maturity, as younger adolescents tend to post content in moments of excitement without considering long-term consequences. They are also easily influenced by their peers and social pressures.
These statements come in the context of the Malaysian government's plan to impose a minimum age of 16 for social media use, expected to take effect in the second half of this year. Dr. Hjaz pointed out that this age represents a significant turning point, as older adolescents exhibit stronger critical thinking and better risk assessment abilities.
Background & Context
Concerns are growing about the impact of social media on children and adolescents worldwide. Studies have shown that repeated exposure to unrealistic content can negatively affect self-esteem and distort perceptions of life or personal appearance. Additionally, children exposed to online exploitation often suffer from long-term trauma.
In this context, Dr. Hjaz emphasized the importance of digital maturity, which includes understanding privacy boundaries, the ability to distinguish between real friends and strangers, and managing reliance on evaluations such as likes or comments.
Impact & Consequences
This issue requires special attention from parents and educators, as excessive use of digital devices can lead to behavioral problems such as prolonged tantrums and difficulty controlling emotions. Shafiq Hamidun, a behavioral therapist, noted that using screens as the primary means to calm children during tantrums can lead to a negative cycle.
He also warned that platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts may negatively affect children's attention spans in school, making them feel bored and struggle to follow lessons.
Regional Significance
This issue is particularly significant for the Arab region, where social media use among youth is increasing. Arab countries must consider the impact of these platforms on children's and adolescents' behaviors and develop effective strategies to ensure safe and responsible use.
In conclusion, it requires parents and educators to work together to establish effective strategies for managing screen time while providing suitable alternative activities for children to ensure their healthy growth and development.