Putrajaya: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) has emphasized the need for careful use of smartphones and gadgets as tools for managing children's behavior, amid concerns over the potential negative impact of early exposure to digital devices. Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, highlighted the risks associated with using smartphones to quiet or calm children, including possible effects on their emotional and social development, as well as the danger of them encountering inappropriate content without proper supervision.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy Shukri noted that Malaysia has existing laws and regulations concerning the use of smart devices by children, but she stressed that their implementation requires reinforcement through increased parental awareness and the collaboration of various stakeholders. She explained that the issue transcends technology and reflects broader cultural shifts in child education, asserting that phones should not replace human interaction in child-rearing and should be used judiciously.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Children's Day Celebration Carnival in Kampung Sempadi, Nancy cited Australia's approach of banning smartphone use for children aged 16 and below as a possible reference point. However, she clarified that Malaysia does not need to introduce new legislation since existing laws are adequate. The focus, she emphasized, should be on strengthening enforcement and educating the community to manage children's gadget use responsibly.