Petition seeks social media ban for children under 16
Signatures are being collected through the e-petition system introduced by the People’s Majlis last week.
Top Stories
A petition has been submitted to Parliament seeking a ban on access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16 and a prohibition on the use of mobile phones in schools.
The petition was initiated by Ali Anim Mufeed of Athamavila, S. Hithadhoo. Signatures are being collected through the e-petition system introduced by the People’s Majlis last week. The petition can be signed using the eFaas platform.
According to the petition, children are increasingly accessing social media through mobile phones and other devices, while many parents are unable to monitor their online activity. It states that exposure to content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and other social media sites has contributed to changes in behaviour among children.
The petition calls for laws and regulations in the Maldives to be updated to reflect developments in technology and changes in global practices.
It proposes amendments to restrict children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, including Facebook and X, video-sharing platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, and websites that allow anonymous posting. It also calls for platforms to be directed to operate in ways that safeguard the health and wellbeing of Maldivian children in line with national laws.
The petition further proposes that, where children access prohibited platforms after such rules are enacted, parents and children should be advised once the activity is identified. In cases of repeated access, it calls for the Ministry of Gender to be granted authority to investigate matters involving the child and parent under defined procedures.
In addition, the petition seeks the introduction of a rule to ban the use of mobile phones in schools and colleges.
