Petition submitted to parliament calling for a ban on social media platforms, including YouTube and TikTok, for children under the age of 16
A petition submitted through the national e-petition portal calls for a legal ban on the use of social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok for children under the age of 16, citing concerns over the negative impact on their moral development. The petition proposes a framework where non-compliant children and their parents receive mandatory counseling, with the Ministry of Social and Family Development intervening in cases of repeat violations, while also advocating for a strict prohibition on carrying mobile phones into educational institutions.
A child using a mobile phone; the screen features icons of popular social media applications | Getty Images | Getty Images
A petition has been submitted to the People’s Majlis calling for a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 in the Maldives.
This petition, submitted through the e-petition system introduced by the People's Majlis, was filed by Ali Aanim Mudheef of Athamaavila, S. Hithadhoo.
The petition, which is currently gathering signatures, highlights a growing trend within the Maldives' small population where children are increasingly using mobile phones and other devices to access various social media platforms. The petition further notes that parents often face challenges in finding the time to adequately monitor their children's online activities.
The petition highlights that children are being exposed to vulgar language and indecent behavior under various guises on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. It notes that this exposure is leading to observable negative shifts in children's morals and natural behavior. Consequently, the petition calls for urgent legislative and regulatory reforms in the Maldives to address these challenges, ensuring that the legal framework evolves alongside global technological advancements.
The petition calls for legislative amendments to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, adult-oriented video platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, certain news outlets, and websites that allow anonymous posting.
Furthermore, the petition asserts that such platforms must be instructed to operate in compliance with laws and regulations, ensuring the best interests of Maldivian children's safety and well-being.
The petition proposes that once the new laws or regulations are enacted, parents and children found in violation of the social media age restrictions should be provided with mandatory counseling and guidance upon discovery.
The petition further proposes establishing a framework that grants the Ministry of Gender special powers to investigate cases involving children and their guardians under specific guidelines if a child is found to be repeatedly active on social media. Additionally, it calls for the formulation and implementation of a formal regulation to prohibit the use of mobile phones within schools and colleges.
This petition can be signed via eFaas.
