{
  "id": 16678614,
  "title": "Gen Z grew up with social media, yet many now want restrictions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/gen-z-grew-up-with-social-media-yet-many-now-want-restrictions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/27/gen-z-grew-up-with-social-media-yet-many-now-want-restrictions"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The generation born with digital connectivity, known as Gen Z, is surprising many by advocating for stricter regulations on social media access for children under 14 in Malaysia. According to an Ipsos study, 81% of Gen Z respondents agree that children under 14 should be barred from using social media during and outside school hours, a significant jump from 67% in 2025 and the largest increase among surveyed generations. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the potential downsides of social media among a cohort that has grown up with constant digital access. While support is highest among Gen X (86%) and millennials (85%), Gen Z's strong stance highlights their unique perspective on the issue. The study, based on an online survey of 501 Malaysian adults conducted between June 19 and July 3, suggests that Gen Z's newfound cautiousness may stem from firsthand experience with the dangers of social media, including the rise of AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation. Malaysia's trend aligns with a broader global movement, with 73% of respondents across 31 countries supporting a ban on social media for children under 14, placing Malaysia second only to Indonesia, where support reaches 90%. This growing consensus among adults, rather than a demand for parental supervision or platform settings, underscores a collective recognition of the need for robust online safety measures. Despite the push for stricter regulations, Ipsos emphasizes that age-based restrictions alone are insufficient. Parental involvement, education, and practical enforcement measures, such as age verification, remain crucial in ensuring children's safe online experiences.",
  "summary": "Support for keeping under-14s off social platforms has risen sharply among young Malaysian adults, suggesting first-hand experience may be shaping a more cautious view.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}