Public support in Malaysia for restricting children’s access to social media has risen sharply, with 83% of Malaysians agreeing that children under 14 should be banned from using social media both inside and outside school, according to the Ipsos Malaysian Education Monitor 2026.
Support increased by 11 percentage points from 72% in 2025, placing Malaysia second globally among the countries surveyed, behind Indonesia at 90%. The global average stood at 73%.
Among regional peers, support stood at 75% in Australia, 74% in Singapore and 54% in Thailand.
Ipsos said the findings point to growing concern over children’s online safety and stronger public demand for safeguards as governments across the region introduce or consider age-based social media restrictions.
The report noted that Malaysia has implemented restrictions on social media use for those under 16 since June 1, 2026, while Indonesia and Australia have also introduced age-based measures. Singapore has stopped short of a blanket ban but is planning stronger safeguards for users below 18, while Thailand is considering restrictions for those under 16.
Support for restrictions has also strengthened across younger Malaysians.
Among Gen Z respondents, 81% supported restrictions, up 14 percentage points from 67% a year earlier. Support among Millennials rose to 85% from 79%, while Gen X support increased to 86% from 73%.
Ipsos said the rise among digital-native generations suggests concern is extending beyond parents, particularly as AI-generated deepfakes, misinformation and scams make online environments more difficult for younger users to navigate.
The report cited Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission data indicating that 70% of Malaysian teenagers have been exposed to harmful online content.
Ipsos Malaysia Managing Director Arun Menon said age restrictions are only one part of the response, with platforms, parents, educators and other trusted adults also playing an important role in promoting responsible technology use.
The Malaysia findings were based on an online survey of 501 adults aged 18 to 74 conducted between June 19 and July 3, 2026. Globally, Ipsos surveyed 23,537 adults across 31 countries.
