Malaysia May Ban Social Media for Under-13s: Fighting the “Brain-Rot” Era
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
“Brain-rot” isn’t just a TikTok insult anymore—it’s now part of Malaysia’s policy conversation. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil recently announced that Putrajaya is considering a ban on social media access for children under 13, arguing that endless streams of low-value content are warping young minds.
While platforms like TikTok and Instagram already require users to be at least 13, enforcement is notoriously weak. Fahmi says the government wants to take it further: strengthen regulations, roll out digital literacy education, and ensure platforms themselves step up accountability.
Fighting the "Brain-Rot" Era
The proposed measures go beyond simply locking out kids:
Ban on under-13 accounts: A stricter enforcement of age limits across platforms.
Educational modules: Teenagers 13 and older may be required to complete digital literacy courses.
Platform accountability: Social media companies like TikTok and YouTube would need to provide takedown statistics and comply with government guidelines. (Between Jan 2022 and mid-2025, over 1,400 child-related harmful posts were removed.)
Government-approved local content: A push to encourage healthier, homegrown entertainment options for families.
Parents: “Finally Some Backup”
Many parents support the move, saying that monitoring children’s social media use has become nearly impossible. One mother told the South China Morning Post that her son spends hours binging YouTube clips, and it feels like a losing battle to filter what’s appropriate.
But not everyone is clapping. Critics online have mocked the idea of state-curated content, with one user quipping, “His brain has become rotten since becoming minister.”
Experts: “Great Idea, But Reality Bites”
Child development specialist Dr. Nellie Ismail from Universiti Putra Malaysia notes that while the idea is noble, implementation will be an uphill climb:
“Parents’ digital literacy levels vary greatly. Without equipping families, enforcing such a ban will be extremely difficult.”
Cyber law expert Dr. Sonny Zulhuda of IIUM added that bans alone are unsustainable. He stressed that children relied heavily on social media for education and communication during the pandemic, and cutting them off without alternative support could backfire. Instead, he suggested stronger parental verification systems, better collaboration with platforms, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
The Bigger Picture
Malaysia isn’t alone. Globally, governments are wrestling with the same issue: how to protect children online without stifling creativity and freedom of expression. If done right, Malaysia could become a model for balancing digital literacy, parental involvement, and tech accountability. If not, it risks being remembered as just another government crusade against an internet boogeyman.
The “brain-rot” debate shows just how worried societies are about the effects of endless scrolling on young people. But bans alone won’t solve the problem. What Malaysia truly needs is a three-way effort: parents, educators, and tech platforms working together. Only then can the next generation grow up digitally smart instead of digitally stunted.
References
South China Morning Post – “Malaysian parents back social media curbs for children to limit ‘brain rot’”https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3320183/malaysian-parents-back-social-media-curbs-children-limit-brain-rot
South China Morning Post – “Malaysian parents back social media bans for children, less enthused about state-made content”https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/article/3320438/malaysian-parents-back-social-media-bans-children-less-enthused-about-state-made-content
The Sun Daily – “Under-13 social media ban faces hurdles, experts warn”https://www.thesun.my/malaysia-news/under-13-social-media-ban-faces-hurdles-experts-LG14656058
Malay Mail – “Fahmi: Putrajaya clamping down on ‘brain rot’ content, mulling strict social media age limits”https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/29/fahmi-putrajaya-clamping-down-on-brain-rot-content-mulling-strict-social-media-age-limits/185619
Kokomonster – “Malaysian parents welcome plan to ban kids from social media but wary of state-sanctioned content push”https://kokomonster.com/en/news/Global/Malaysian-parents-welcome-plan-to-ban-kids-from-social-media-but-wary-of-state-sanctioned-content-push-4794
The Uncommon Breed
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