Article Courtesy of Viory.Video
Indonesia will enact social media ban for minors aimed at protecting 70 million children from harmful content, including pornography, cyberbullying, scams, and addictive designs.
This initiative seeks to reclaim childhood from the grip of algorithms, prohibiting children under 16 from accessing high-risk platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Digital platforms are also required to implement age verification systems to bolster the safety of young users.
Footage filmed in Tangerang on Friday, shows parents and teachers expressing support for the government’s decision to limit social media and digital game usage, viewing it as essential for fostering healthier and more directed child development.
Many respondents suggested that positive alternatives should accompany these restrictions, such as educational games that can facilitate children’s growth and development.
Parent Laila Pujianti remarked, “I strongly agree with the government because, on the other hand, there is no real benefit. There are more negative effects. In those games, there is violence and jump scares, things like that, which I cannot stop, because that is part of the game itself.”
“There must be parental support – it always has to be there. And I usually redirect them to play with their friends in the neighbourhood, for example playing soccer or traditional games like marbles,” she added.
Another parent, Wulan Listiana, echoed the sentiment, stating, “I agree, because nowadays there are many negative effects from social media. For example, from what my children watch, YouTube Shorts are not very good for children’s development.”
She added, “I also encourage them to play, not just stay on their phones or social media all the time. We play together, or they play with their friends.”
Teacher Destia Aliya emphasised the importance of alternatives, stating, “Regarding this restriction, I strongly agree, but it would be better if there were other alternatives, perhaps besides games, that still allow them to use technology but for positive purposes.”
On the other hand, student Albi Fata Arsyad expressed his disagreement, arguing, “I do not agree, because in Indonesia, young people want to transform Indonesia into a Golden Indonesia. So in that golden generation, there will be no children who are technologically illiterate.”
He added, “It’s simple – if something is bad, skip it. But if it is good, then absorb it and keep watching.”
This policy comes in response to growing concerns over the digital dangers facing Indonesia’s youth, who rank among the world’s most active social media users. Government studies reveal alarming increases in online harassment, predatory grooming, and compulsive screen use among children.
As a result, legislators have strengthened the Child Protection Law in 2024 by introducing the new Child Protection in Digital Space Regulation. The new mandate requires platforms to implement gradual account restrictions, with enforcement escalating over time to avoid abrupt disconnection.
The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), will restrict access to social media for children under the age of 16 starting March 28, 2026, as stipulated in Ministerial Regulation No. 9 of 2026.
This policy targets approximately 70 million users and aims to protect children from negative content such as pornography, cyberbullying, and exploitation. In addition, digital platforms are required to implement age verification systems to enhance the safety of young users.
Article and Video Courtesy of Viory.Video
