Ensuring the safety of children while they use the internet and social media must be a shared responsibility between parents, the government and society at large, according to the chairman of the Online Safety Committee (OSC), Tan Sri Hasnah Datuk Mohammed Hashim.
She said all adults, including parents, relatives, caregivers and teachers, must be aware of the influence of social media and its potential impact on children under their care.
Hasnah stressed that the responsibility extends beyond citizen children alone, covering all children in Malaysia regardless of background.
She said every adult carries the duty to ensure children are not exploited and that their physical and mental wellbeing remains protected in an increasingly digital environment.
Hasnah added that the committee’s objective is to strengthen the safety of online platforms, particularly for children, by examining both positive and negative aspects of social media usage.
She warned that early exposure to digital devices can accelerate maturity in children, sometimes without parents fully realising the risks of harmful content online.
She also highlighted that children may unknowingly access unsafe links or misleading content disguised as familiar educational platforms.
According to her, awareness efforts, including the use of podcasts and public education campaigns, could play a key role in improving digital literacy among parents and guardians.
Hasnah further noted that socioeconomic factors, particularly among lower-income households, remain a challenge in ensuring effective supervision of children’s online activities.
She said the committee will continue reviewing international practices and may propose improvements to Malaysia’s online safety framework under the Online Safety Act 2025, in collaboration with relevant authorities.
