Growing up offline

The question of whether children should be allowed unrestricted access to social media has become one of the defining policy debates of the digital age. Governments across the world are increasingly concluding that the answer is no. The latest country to join this growing movement is Malaysia, which has begun barring those under the age of 16 from registering accounts on major social media platforms. The move places the responsibility on technology companies to verify users' ages and protect minors from harmful online content, with hefty fines awaiting those that fail to comply.

Malaysia's decision seems to be part of a growing international consensus that the risks posed by social media to children have reached a point where government intervention is necessary. Australia has emerged as one of the most aggressive regulators in this area, requiring major social media platforms to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts. Norway has proposed raising the effective age threshold for social media access, arguing that powerful recommendation algorithms are being deployed against children whose cognitive development remains incomplete. Research and growing public concern point to a range of harms associated with excessive social media use among children. Social media platforms are designed to maximise engagement, often using algorithms that reward sensationalism and endless scrolling. Children, whose self-control and critical thinking skills are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to such systems. Many have also raised legitimate concerns about privacy.

For Pakistan, the lessons from Malaysia and other countries should be approached with caution and balance. The country undoubtedly faces many of the same challenges. Pakistani children and teenagers are increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, extreme content and harmful trends. Parents often struggle to monitor online activity, while digital literacy remains uneven. However, Pakistan should avoid the temptation of simply copying foreign models without considering local realities.