SINGAPORE - While blocking social media access for those aged under 18 is not an ideal outcome for Singapore, the government is prepared to do so if platforms fail to have the necessary safeguards.

Blocking will apply to platforms that are not child-safe, while platforms that have safeguards can continue to operate, said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.

“It is potentially a differentiated landscape where some platforms have made it possible for child-safe access and continue to offer access to those under 18, but there may be other services that either have not been willing or able to do it,” said Teo, during a forum discussion on July 17.

Platform providers will also need to take direct responsibility for design features that will ultimately impact users, said Teo, who cited recommendations from experts to restrict features such as video auto-play.

“Safety is not just what you get to see or hear on these platforms - it is a question of how often you are persuaded to stay on...the kind of interactions that may be enabled through the platform.”

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Institute of Policy Studies, the forum’s discussions centred on online safety for children. Panellists included researchers, community partners, and policymakers from Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

“If we want our children to thrive in any environment, protecting them from harms is only part of it. Preparing them to deal with realities of that environment is equally, if not more important on a long-term basis,” said Teo.

This could mean varying access based on age: children under a certain age cannot use social media, while older children can access more features with guidance.

Tiered access that provides targeted friction is what youths prefer over broad restrictions, said chief executive of YouthTechSG Ben Chua, citing an internal survey of 166 youths in Singapore.

“Many participants were co...