Asia-Pacific Nations Grapple with Protecting Children from Social Media Harms
A growing wave of concern is sweeping across the Asia-Pacific region as nations grapple with the pervasive influence of social media on children and adolescents. While the physical presence of social media giants remains limited in these countries, governments are increasingly taking action to shield young users from harmful content, including sexual material, violence, and disinformation. This concern is echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which reports that over 10% of adolescents globally experience negative consequences stemming from problematic social media use, a trend that continues to escalate, impacting both mental and physical well-being.
Australia has taken the most dramatic step, becoming the first country to enact a ban on social media access for children under 16. Legislation passed in November 2024, and set to take effect a year later, mandates that social media platforms implement age verification mechanisms to block underage users. Major platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) face hefty fines of up to $33 million for non-compliance. This bold move sets a precedent and puts pressure on other countries to consider similar measures.
The reverberations of Australia’s decision are already being felt in neighboring New Zealand. While no legislation is currently in place, the government is closely monitoring the Australian ban’s implementation and effectiveness. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged the importance of the issue, while opposition leader Chris Hipkins has expressed a willingness to consider similar action if presented with compelling evidence of its efficacy. This indicates a growing awareness of the need to address the potential harms of unchecked social media use among young Kiwis.
Indonesia is also contemplating restrictions on children’s social media access, drawing inspiration from the Australian model. Health Ministry official Imran Pambudi has acknowledged the possibility of implementing a similar ban but emphasized the complexity of such an undertaking, estimating a three-year timeframe for implementation. In the interim, the onus of monitoring children’s online activities remains with parents.
Malaysia is taking a different tack, focusing on regulating the social media companies themselves. Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching has announced plans for a mandatory licensing framework for all social media platforms operating within the country. Beginning in 2025, companies will be required to obtain a license from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) or face legal repercussions. This move aims to hold social media companies accountable for complying with national laws and regulations.
India, while lacking specific age restrictions for social media access, has introduced legislation aimed at protecting children’s data. The 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act mandates verifiable parental consent for the processing of personal data belonging to users under 18. While this doesn’t restrict access, it provides a layer of protection for minors’ online privacy. The Indian government is also actively exploring measures to combat the spread of disinformation on social media platforms.
South Korea and Japan are also grappling with the challenges posed by social media. South Korea is considering imposing an age ban, potentially setting the limit at 14 or 16, while Japan is focused on tackling disinformation and online defamation. A recent law revision compels social media platforms to establish transparent procedures for removing defamatory content and responding promptly to related complaints, emphasizing accountability and the need to address the harms of online anonymity.
Singapore, with its 2022 Foreign Intervention law, empowers authorities to compel social media companies to remove harmful content within hours, or face having access to their platforms blocked by internet service providers. This proactive approach prioritizes swift action to mitigate the spread of harmful material online.
Bangladesh, while not having specific laws restricting children’s social media use, has resorted to drastic measures to control online content. The government temporarily shut down mobile internet access in August 2024, blocking popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube, citing the need to combat disinformation and the alleged non-compliance of social media companies with Bangladeshi law during a period of political unrest. This extreme measure highlights the ongoing struggle to balance freedom of access with the need to address online harms.
The diverse approaches being adopted across the Asia-Pacific region reflect a shared concern about the impact of social media on young people. From outright bans to licensing frameworks, data protection laws, and content removal policies, governments are actively seeking solutions to protect children from the potential harms of the digital world. The long-term effectiveness of these strategies remains to be seen, but they underscore a growing recognition of the urgent need to address the challenges posed by the pervasive influence of social media. The global community will undoubtedly be watching closely as these policies are implemented and their impact unfolds.