Any policymaking must strike a balance between protection and empowerment, as no law could replace the guiding presence of adults in a child’s life, said Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.

The chairman of the SMK Tung Hua board of directors emphasized that parents and teachers are the most important guardians of students’ wellbeing.

Supporting Children in the Digital Age

Beyond merely relying on policy, he stated that parents could support their children by understanding their online habits, discussing digital risks openly, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering self-control and critical judgement.

“Teachers, on the other hand, play a crucial role in strengthening digital citizenship, handling cyberbullying, navigating online conflicts, and communicating responsibly in the digital space,” he added.

Collaboration for Meaningful Technology Use

“When adults work together, we help young people develop not just safety awareness but also the wisdom and maturity to use technology meaningfully,” Lau remarked during SMK Tung Hua’s annual ‘Awards Presentation Day’ on Friday.

He was joined by the school’s board of management vice-chairman Dr. Wong Soon Ting and principal Goi Nguok Yew.

Recently, the Malaysian government announced that starting next year, children under 16 would no longer be allowed to register or use social media accounts.

New Online Safety Regulations

Under the new Online Safety Act 2025, online platforms must implement electronic ID verification to confirm users’ age.

Lau acknowledged the policy’s objective of protecting young people from violent and inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online grooming, scams, and unhealthy digital addiction – risks that have become increasingly prevalent as digital and physical spaces intertwine.

“However, some are concerned that strict restrictions may limit access to learning resources, hinder digital literacy, or complicate school communication if commonly used platforms such as WhatsApp are categorized as social media,” he noted.

Values for Future Success

To school-leavers, Lau reminded them to carry forward the values instilled in them, emphasizing that their success was shaped not only by talent but also by perseverance, character, and the courage to use knowledge wisely.