Tan Sri Lee: Balanced Safeguards Better Than Outright Prohibition

Image of Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

KUALA LUMPUR: Ensuring children’s safety online must be a shared responsibility among governments, technology companies, schools, and parents, says Alliance For A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Addressing proposals to ban social media access for those below 16, Lee said cooperation among these stakeholders would allow young people to benefit from the digital world without being overwhelmed by its risks.

Balanced Safeguards Better than Blanket Ban

“A blanket ban may not necessarily be the most effective or sustainable solution. Social media, when used responsibly, can serve as an important tool for communication, creativity, learning, and social connection in an increasingly digital world.

“Denying access entirely may inadvertently hinder digital literacy development and drive usage underground, making monitoring and guidance more difficult,” he said in a statement.

However, Lee stressed that the online environment presents real risks to minors, including exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, misinformation, and excessive screen time, which could affect mental health, social development, and academic performance.

Government’s Duty

“Governments have a duty to strengthen safeguards and ensure digital platforms are accountable for user safety, particularly where children are concerned,” he said.

He proposed a more balanced approach centred on robust protective frameworks rather than outright prohibition.

Verification Systems for Age

These include stricter age-appropriate design codes, stronger age-verification systems, mandatory parental control tools, and digital supervision features.

Lee also called for comprehensive digital literacy education in schools, clearer legal accountability for platforms that fail to protect minors, and public awareness campaigns to educate parents and guardians.

“Ultimately, the goal should not simply be to restrict access, but to cultivate a generation of digitally responsible, resilient and informed young citizens.

“Policies must therefore be guided not only by urgency, but also by evidence, inclusiveness and long-term societal impact,” he added.