As of 1 June 2026, Malaysia’s Child Protection Code (CPC) under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) bars youngsters under the age of 16 from having social media accounts.
To comply with the new rules, licensed social media service providers operating in Malaysia including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are required to introduce stricter age-verification processes, with users expected to verify their age using official documents such as MyKad or passports.
How this will affect youngsters
Having grown up in a digital-first world, youngsters may view the restrictions as limiting their freedom and ability to participate in online communities that play a significant role in their daily lives.
Supporters of the move argue that reducing social media exposure could help protect children from online risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and excessive screen time.
Additionally, the ban could bring about notable changes to how they spend their time. While some may seek alternative online platforms, others may turn their attention to offline activities.
With that being said, here are 6 ways youngsters can spend their time instead of scrolling social media:
- Pick Up a New Sport or Outdoor Hobby
Whether it’s badminton, futsal, skateboarding, cycling, or hiking, spending more time outdoors can help youngsters stay active while meeting new people in the real world.
- Learn a Skill That Pays Off
From coding and graphic design to photography and video editing, there are plenty of skills that can be learned through books, classes, or supervised online resources that don’t revolve around social media.
- Rediscover Reading
Novels, comics, manga, biographies, and self-improvement books offer a chance to explore new worlds, learn new ideas, and improve language skills — all without endless scrolling.
- Spend More Time With Family and Friends
Board game nights, family outings, movie marathons, or simply hanging out with friends can help build stronger relationships and create memories that no social media post can replicate.
- Explore Creative Hobbies
Drawing, painting, writing, baking, playing musical instruments, or even gardening can provide a productive outlet for creativity while helping youngsters develop patience and focus.
- Volunteer and Give Back
Joining community clean-ups, animal welfare initiatives, charity drives, or youth organisations can help young Malaysians develop new skills, gain valuable experiences, and make a positive impact on society.
A Silver Lining?
While a social media ban may initially feel restrictive to many youngsters, it could also encourage them to discover interests, talents, and experiences that often get overshadowed by screen time.
The challenge lies not in finding ways to fill the time, but in making the most of it.
Do stay tuned to Hype for more updates.
