Opposition lawmaker Harshana Rajakaruna says he will present a private member’s bill in Parliament this week to amend the Online Safety Act and introduce stronger safeguards for children on social media platforms.
He said the proposed amendments to the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, will focus on protecting children from online harm. Measures under the bill include age verification requirements, parental consent mechanisms, child safety risk assessments, and steps to address harassment and harmful online content.
Rajakaruna said several countries have already adopted laws aimed at reducing online abuse targeting children, while local regulations remain insufficient.
“As a responsible opposition, we intend to formally request Parliament to consider legislation that prioritises child safety,” he said.
He urged the government to review the proposed bill without political differences, stressing that child protection should be treated as a shared national responsibility. He also called on lawmakers to act quickly on the proposed amendments.
Rajakaruna further raised concerns about the effects of excessive social media use on children, pointing to increased exposure to harmful material and reduced social interaction. He warned that unchecked access could affect children’s long-term development and wellbeing.
Last modified: February 2, 2026
