Singapore adopts more rigorous approach than blanket social media ban for young children, says Rahayu Mahzam

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s approach to restricting young children’s access to social media is “more demanding, more rigorous” than imposing a blanket ban, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam said on 6 May 2026.

She emphasised that the Government is seeking a long-term and adaptable strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all prohibition.

“We take a different approach, in that we also want something that is more effective, a more durable approach that will withstand the test of time and the test of evolution of the technology,” she said in parliament.

Her remarks came in response to a supplementary question by Sembawang GRC MP Vikram Nair, who urged the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) to consider a firmer stance similar to bans introduced in some countries.

Targeting specific harms and platform features

Rahayu acknowledged that certain features of social media platforms can negatively affect young users. However, she said Singapore’s strategy is to directly address those elements rather than impose sweeping restrictions.

“Our approach has always been one that is outcomes-driven, and we have been building progressively on this,” she said.

Singapore has already implemented several measures to regulate youth access. These include a Code of Practice for Online Safety for social media services, age assurance requirements for applications, and mandatory annual reporting obligations for platforms.

The Government plans to expand these safeguards further. Rahayu said authorities will extend assurance measures to designated social media services and shift focus beyond content moderation to platform design.

“Moving forward, we are actually going to be extending the assurance measures to the designated social media services, and looking beyond the content to the design features,” she said.

These design features include elements that may contribute to excessive use or harmful engagement among younger users.

Balancing caution with effectiveness

Rahayu cautioned that a blanket ban may not necessarily address underlying issues.

In contrast, Singapore’s approach aims to mitigate risks by regulating specific mechanisms that drive harmful behaviour online.

“A blanket ban may not even solve the problem,” she said, while adding that the Government remains open to stronger measures if required.

“Nevertheless, we will do whatever it takes to protect our young ones.”

She noted that a total ban on social media for youths is not universally accepted. As an example, she pointed to Australia’s recent legislative updates.

In March, the Australian government refined its approach to focus on specific addictive features such as recommender algorithms and infinite scrolling functions, rather than enforcing a broad prohibition.

“We do have safeguards in place and we do not think just rushing into having a ban may necessarily be the best thing,” Rahayu said.

“We’re not foreclosing that as a decision, but we are studying what is more effective to achieve the desired outcome that we want.”

Global developments and legal precedents

The issue was also raised separately by Vikram Nair through a parliamentary question on whether Singapore would consider regulating youth access to social media, including the possibility of a ban.

He referenced a US jury decision in March that found technology companies Meta and Alphabet liable for creating addictive platforms that contributed to mental health issues among younger users.

Rahayu said Singapore is closely monitoring such developments.

“We are taking reference from the judgment, from the decision, and the information that we are seeing. The findings actually add to the growing body of evidence,” she said.

“We know that the harms are real and we are taking it seriously.”

Enhancing safeguards and ongoing discussions

In a written reply on 5 May 2026, MDDI said it intends to strengthen protections for children on designated social media services.

The ministry is examining platform features such as direct messaging and autoplay, which may expose young users to unwanted interactions or encourage prolonged usage.

“MDDI is carefully studying features on these services, such as direct messaging and autoplay, which can result in unwanted interactions with strangers or excessive use for children and adolescents,” the ministry said.

It added that discussions are ongoing with social media companies to define the standards they must meet.

The ministry said it is working to outline expectations clearly, signalling a continued emphasis on accountability and compliance among platform providers.