Maldives Insight | 10 May 2024

A petition has been initiated in the Maldives, advocating for a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16 and a comprehensive prohibition on mobile phones within school and college premises for students of all ages. The proposal highlights increasing concerns regarding minors’ exposure to inappropriate content online and its potential impact on their development.

Rationale for the Petition

The petition, currently collecting signatures through the People’s Majlis (Maldivian parliament) e-petition system, was launched by Ali Aanim Mufeed, identified as a resident of Athamaavila, S. Hithadhoo. Mr. Mufeed’s detailed statement for the petition notes a recent rise in social media usage among children across the Maldives’ relatively small population, often facilitated by mobile phones and other devices. He further indicates that parents frequently lack the time to adequately monitor their children’s online activities.

The petition asserts that children are being exposed to “various obscene and inappropriate words and actions” through platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. This exposure is cited as contributing to “negative behavioural and developmental changes” in minors. Consequently, the petition proposes an update to Maldivian laws and regulations, adapting them to technological advancements and global changes, to address these issues.

Proposed Legislative Measures

The proposed solutions outlined in the petition primarily call for legislative amendments to prevent children under 16 from accessing a range of social media platforms. These include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, alongside certain news websites and anonymous posting sites that allow users to publish content without revealing their identity. The petition also requests that these platforms be mandated to ensure compliance with regulations designed to restrict access for minors.

Enforcement and Educational Institutions

Additionally, the petition seeks to empower the Ministry of Social Development with the authority to provide counselling or advice to children found using social media in violation of the proposed ban. It also advocates for the Ministry to be able to take action against repeat offenders. In a distinct but related measure, the petition requests the formulation and implementation of regulations that would prohibit students from bringing mobile phones into schools and colleges.