SINGAPORE: Singapore shares the same objectives as Australia in introducing age limits for social media access to protect young users and is actively engaging with Australian counterparts and social media platforms to understand their perspectives, said Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, during Parliament on 7 January.
Australia enacted one of the strictest internet regulations in late 2024, banning children under 16 from accessing social media.
The law, scheduled to take effect in March 2025, has sparked questions among MPs here about whether Singapore should adopt similar measures to safeguard children and teenagers.
West Coast GRC MP Foo Mee Har inquired about the Government’s assessment of such bans in protecting young users from online harms.
Ms Rahayu responded: “The stated objective of legislating age limits for social media access is to protect children and youth from its harms. We share the same objective and will continue to study the effectiveness of mandating age limits.”
She noted that evaluating violations by young users and addressing shifts to unregulated platforms would require careful consideration before implementing a ban.
“We are engaging our Australian counterparts and social media platforms to understand their views. This will help inform our thinking on the next steps,” she added.
Leader of the Opposition, Mr Pritam Singh, questioned whether social media companies in Singapore proactively address online safety.
He referenced remarks by Australia’s eSafety commissioner, Ms Julie Inman Grant, highlighting that responsibility should shift from parents and children to platforms.
Comparing the current debate to car manufacturers’ historic pushback against safety mandates like seat belts, he emphasised the potential for similar industry norms to evolve.
Ms Rahayu affirmed that Singapore has made progress in regulating online spaces, citing the introduction of the Code of Practice for Online Safety in 2024.
This code mandates social media platforms to submit compliance reports, which are under review by the Infocomm Media Development Authority, with findings expected to be published soon.
The code also requires major platforms to implement measures such as restrictive account settings and parental tools to manage safety.
Ms Rahayu said: “We have been stern and strict in making sure that they comply with the requirements that we have set forth, but we want to ensure that this is sustainable and meaningful.”
She further acknowledged the nuanced impact of social media on children, stating: “While it has been linked to mental health issues, social media has also been shown to help children develop social skills and build connections with their peers.”
Australia’s impending law and its benchmark-setting approach continue to shape Singapore’s ongoing considerations, alongside plans for an online safety centre to provide victims with quicker access to assistance.
