Concerns Over Children's Social Media Ownership
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) Commissioner, Prof. Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, has voiced concerns regarding the ownership of social media accounts for children under the age of 13. She warns that such exposure could lead to dangers and information disorders, potentially affecting their cognitive development.
Influence of Inappropriate Content:
Prof. Noor Aziah emphasizes the increased risk of children being influenced by inappropriate content on platforms like TikTok. She stresses the importance of age-appropriate filtering and rules to safeguard children from harmful influences and ensure their cognitive development is not compromised.
Government Awareness Initiatives:
The Ministry of Communications, led by Minister Fahmi Fadzil, plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to raise awareness about the safety of social media usage among minors. These initiatives aim to educate both children and parents about the potential risks associated with platforms like TikTok.
Concerns About Addiction and Data Privacy:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Khairie Ahmad from Universiti Utara Malaysia highlights concerns about children's addiction to TikTok due to its short and simple video format. He also expresses worries about data privacy, noting that social media platforms collect user data for marketing purposes, potentially exposing children to the risks of data manipulation and negative content.
Need for Regulation and Parental Guidance:
Dr. Mohd Khairie emphasizes the importance of regulating social media content for children and enforcing measures against service providers who misuse data. He also stresses the role of parents and guardians in monitoring children's social media usage to protect them from harmful influences while maintaining a balance with the digitalization of education.
