S’pore govt may raise minimum social media age beyond 13 if platform safeguards remain inadequate: PM Wong

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore indicated on August 23 that the government may impose stricter regulations on social media platforms if current safeguards prove insufficient. The vulnerability of children and teenagers to the negative impacts of social media use was highlighted during the 2026 National Day Rally. While social media platforms provide benefits such as opportunities and maintaining connections, they also pose risks, with 1 in 6 Singaporean youths aged 10-24 exhibiting signs of problematic social media use.

Some individuals spend up to 6-7 hours daily on these platforms, frequently staying up late. Wong emphasized that adolescents are especially susceptible due to ongoing brain development and heightened susceptibility to social pressures. Currently, a minimum age of 13 is required to create a social media account, but enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the platforms, which typically rely on self-declared ages.

Wong believes this method is ineffective. He is concerned about the prevalence of young children actively using social media, even in primary schools. Enforcement of a proper minimum age is crucial for genuine protection. For users aged 13 and above, the government's primary concern is enhancing platform safety by design. Social media features that encourage constant engagement can be challenging for both adults and teenagers to resist.

Therefore, stronger safeguards must be implemented for younger users. If a platform intends to serve young users in Singapore, it must comply with these requirements. However, if the existing safeguards remain inadequate, the government may consider additional restrictions, such as raising the minimum age for accessing the platform beyond 13.