Australia has begun enforcing a world-first ban on social media use for children under 16, while Singapore has taken a more measured approach by prohibiting smartphones on secondary school campuses. The Singapore policy aims to balance digital literacy with healthy boundaries, allowing students to use technology for learning while reducing distractions and exposure to online harms. The Ministry of Education introduced the ban earlier this year, citing concerns about excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and the mental health impact of constant connectivity.
By contrast, Australia’s sweeping ban requires platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to block underage users or face hefty fines, a move that has sparked pushback from tech companies and critics. Malaysia is preparing to follow suit with its own under-16 ban in 2026, though enforcement details remain unclear and privacy concerns loom. Experts warn that outright bans may drive youths to alternative platforms or create risks in age verification, while Singapore’s school-based restrictions highlight a more moderate path that addresses safety without cutting off digital development entirely.
