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As social media becomes part of everyday life, experts said the issue is no longer just access, but whether teenagers under 16 are actually ready to handle it
Research shows that early exposure interacts with brain development, especially in areas linked to judgment, self-control, and decision-making.
Pantai Hospital paediatric neurologist Dr Poorani Anandakrishnan said adolescence is a period of rapid but uneven brain development.
"The prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and impulse control, develops more slowly than the amygdala, the emotional centre. This imbalance leads to impulsive decisions, strong emotions and risk-taking," she said.
She added that between ages 10 and 12, dopamine and oxytocin receptors increase in the brain's reward system, making preteens highly sensitive to attention and social approval.
Pantai Hospital consultant psychologist and Synnea Sdn Bhd founder Katyana Azman Frost said the part of the brain responsible for self-control is still immature in younger teens.
"This makes them more impulsive and more sensitive to social rewards," she said.
This gap is why younger users may be active on complex platforms without fully being able to regulate their behaviour.
Social media platforms are designed to keep users hooked
"Likes, notifications and endless scrolling stimulate dopamine release, reinforcing compulsive behaviour. For developing brains, this may have long-term effects," Dr Poorani said.
She added that this works similarly to gambling, where unpredictable rewards strengthen habits.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Faculty of Computer Science & Mathematics senior lecturer Suzana Zambri said algorithms further amplify this.
"The more users engage, the more similar content is pushed to them, creating a loop that keeps them online longer," she said.
Younger users are especially vulnerable because they are more sensitive to rewards but have weaker self-control.
Even though many teens are digitally savvy, those under 16 may still struggle to assess risks online
"Younger users may not recognise harmful content, detect manipulation or understand long-term consequences. Their emotional sensitivity also makes them more reactive to feedback, increasing the risk of harm," Dr Poorani said.
Suzana added that they are more exposed to cyberbullying, misinformation, and unsafe interactions with strangers.
Heavy screen time has also been linked to reduced attention span, weaker memory, and poorer academic performance.
"Changes in brain activity can cause cognitive fatigue, reducing concentration and sustained effort," Dr Poorani said.
Fast, reward-driven content may also affect how young people process information.
Experts said psychological effects may appear when teens use platforms they are not ready to manage
"In my clinical practice, around 80% of teenagers under 16 years old are active on Instagram and TikTok, with about 5% experiencing anxiety or depression. Social media is not the sole cause, but it often worsens underlying issues," Katyana said.
She said social media can also shape how teens see themselves.
"Some compare themselves with unrealistic lifestyles or portrayals of freedom online," she said.
Katyana added that both boys and girls are affected.
"Boys face pressures related to body image, 'alpha male' ideals and gaming, while girls may struggle with eating disorders. Both experience comparison pressure and bullying online," she said.
These issues often come down to a mismatch between exposure and developmental readiness, rather than the platforms alone.
Experts said managing risks is not just about restricting access, but preparing young users to handle access responsibly
Suzana said young users should be taught to question what they see online.
"They should ask: who created this content, why, and is it real or edited? Is it trying to influence emotions?" she said.
"Without understanding algorithms, they may fall into cycles of overuse."
Delaying access can give teens more time to develop emotional control, critical thinking, and social skills.
"It is not a perfect safeguard, but it gives them a stronger foundation to handle digital pressures," Dr Poorani said.
Older teens generally have better impulse control and reasoning, reflecting stronger executive function. While development differs from person to person, 16 is seen as a practical benchmark for improved emotional regulation and resistance to influence.
Suzana said countries like Australia and Spain are already moving towards this benchmark, while Malaysia is considering similar steps.
As Malaysia continues to grow its digital economy, the focus is shifting from access to readiness
Delaying social media use until 16 may not remove all risks, but it can help teens better navigate online spaces.
Experts also support efforts by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to strengthen online safety, including proposals under the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA).
Katyana said stronger safeguards are still needed.
"Current age verification systems are weak and rely on self-declaration. Stronger measures such as artificial intelligence-based age estimation or digital ID integration may be required," she said.
Dr Poorani said the goal is not to block access entirely.
"It is to ensure they are prepared for it," she said.
This article originally appeared on the New Straits Times, with rights to be republished on SAYS.
