Social media content involving minors must have parents' approval, teachers reminded
KULAI: Social media users, especially teachers, who upload content with minors must only do so with their parents or guardians' approval, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.

She said that while her ministry did not have guidelines specifically for teachers, the Education Ministry issued rules on values and ethics involving social media use by educators and students in 2017.

She said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has also reminded teachers to adhere to the guidelines to prevent students from being exploited.

ALSO READ: Teachers can create meaningful ethical content for social media, says Fadhlina

“Parents and guardians can lodge a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) if their children have been used as content on TikTok or any social media platforms without permission.

"Consent is very important when it comes to uploading videos or images of minors.

“MCMC has the power to contact the social media platform to remove such content,” she told a press conference after handing out financial aid totalling RM87,000 to 29 mosques and 58 surau in Kulai at a shopping mall here on Sunday (March 24).

Teo, who is also Kulai MP, was asked to comment about teachers who upload visuals of their students on their personal social media accounts.

On Monday (March 18), Fadhlina said her ministry encouraged teachers to create meaningful ethical content on social media that did not violate guidelines.

She said such content could be educational, especially in helping students learn and to create awareness about educators.

Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF) president Rafiq Razali had earlier urged teachers not to use their students in social media content, especially without parental approval.

MCMC’s Consumer Care Centre hotline (1800-188-030) is open Monday through Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
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KULAI: Social media users, especially teachers, who upload content with minors must only do so with their parents or guardians' approval, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching