MOE Backs Smartphones Ban for Under-16s in Wake of School Tragedy

The Education Ministry (MOE) has announced that it will soon issue comprehensive guidelines on a proposed bam against the use of smartphones by students aged below 16 in schools, following a string of safety concerns after the recent fatal stabbing of a student in Bandar Utama, PJ.

In a statement today, the ministry said it welcomed the Cabinet’s decision to implement immediate safety measures across all educational institutions, including prohibiting students under 16 from using smartphones during school hours. The move, it said, is part of broader efforts to create a safer and more disciplined learning environment.

The MOE also expressed it’s full support for the government’s plan to set 16 as the minimum age for social media use, saying the measure aims to protect children, and young people from cyber threats and online exploitation. According to the ministry, the Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), will study the appropriate mechanisms for enforcing the age restriction.

At the same time, the ministry has urged all schools under it’s purview to strengthen the role of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and local community partnerships to improve campus safety. Increased collaboration between parents, educators, and law enforcement is expected to play a key role in maintaining a secure and supportive environment for students.

The statement comes in the wake of public outrage over several incidents involving school violence, the most recent being the tragic killing of 16-year-old female student, allegedly stabbed by her 14-year-old schoolmate at a secondary school in Bandar Utama, earlier this week. The case has reunited discussion about youth discipline, mental health, and the influence of digital media on minors.

The government’s multi ministry approach involving the Education and Communications ministries, as well as the police is aimed at addressing both physical and digital safety concerns among students. Details of the smartphones ban and enforcement procedures are expected to be outlined once the ministry finalises the new guidelines.

Sources: MalayMail