Fahmi: Digital Devices Are Not ‘Babysitters’, Parents Must Actively Monitor Children’s Internet Use
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has urged parents to take a more active role in monitoring and controlling their children’s internet usage, warning that digital devices should not be treated as “babysitters” in efforts to keep children occupied.
He said children and teenagers, particularly those below the age of 16, face significant risks if their online activities are left unchecked, including exposure to data exploitation, online fraud and cyber harassment.
According to Fahmi, responsibility for regulating internet access lies primarily with parents, as smartphones, tablets and internet subscriptions are purchased by adults, not children.
“Smartphones, tablets and internet subscriptions are not bought by children, but by parents. Therefore, control and responsibility must begin with parents,” he said at the launch of Safer Internet Day 2026 organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission here today.
Fahmi stressed that parents should set appropriate safety restrictions, limit screen time and actively supervise the content accessed by their children to ensure that internet use does not interfere with education or healthy development.
He also shared a personal example involving his 13-year-old child, explaining that he had imposed limits on digital gaming after noticing that it was becoming a major distraction.
“I set a time limit. If it exceeds one hour, permission is required. This is not about being harsh, but about teaching children boundaries and moderation,” he said.
Speaking to reporters later, Fahmi said this year’s Safer Internet Campaign places strong emphasis on parental controls, including limiting time spent on devices and video games.
On broader awareness efforts, he revealed that 150 individuals from various backgrounds have been appointed to disseminate up-to-date internet safety information within their respective communities.
“They will be provided with information from time to time, whether on new scams, the latest tactics used by scammers or other internet safety issues, so that the public stays informed,” he said.
-wilayah.com.my
