SocietySingapore panel favors tackling harmful social media features over age bans

A government-appointed panel examining social media’s impact on mental health has recommended stronger online age checks to identify users more accurately. Although Australia and Malaysia have raised the minimum age for accessing social media, the experts said Singapore should not follow that approach. One panel member argued that addressing platform features that could expose users to safety risks matters more than imposing a blanket age restriction. The recommendations focus on reducing harmful risks within platforms rather than banning younger users outright.