INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – The Indonesian government is set to impose restrictions on social media access for children under the age of 16 as part of its efforts to curb the negative impacts of excessive internet use. The proposal follows alarming statistics on children’s digital consumption and is aligned with similar global regulations.
Rising Internet Usage Among Indonesian Children
As of 2024, the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) reported that 221 million Indonesians—79.5 percent of the total population—are active internet users. Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) also shows that 12.27 percent of users are between the ages of 5 and 12, with a 2021 Neurosensum study indicating that 87 percent of Indonesian children are introduced to social media before turning 13.
UNICEF data further highlights that 89 percent of Indonesian children spend an average of 5 hours and 24 minutes online daily. However, according to the latest BPS report, 61.65 percent of students use the internet primarily for social media, while only 27.53 percent use it for online learning.
Government’s Response to the Issue
Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced that the government is drafting regulations to restrict social media access for those under 16. She emphasized the importance of protecting children from harmful content online.
“We have discussed this matter with President Prabowo Subianto, who supports this initiative for the future of Indonesia’s children,” Hafid said after a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on January 16.
Elementary and Middle Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti also voiced concerns about the negative effects of excessive gadget use on children’s cognitive development. He described the growing “scroll culture” as a phenomenon that weakens critical thinking skills.
“We have a culture where children only skim headlines without understanding the content. As a result, they lack critical thinking skills and struggle with long-term problem-solving,” Mu’ti told BTV.
Meanwhile, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi suggested reducing students’ reliance on digital devices by reverting to manual assignments. She believes this would improve communication between parents, students, and teachers while enhancing learning outcomes.
“By reducing gadget dependency, we can enhance direct interaction between students, teachers, and parents, which will positively impact students’ development,” Fauzi stated.
Global Precedents for Social Media Age Restrictions
Indonesia is following in the footsteps of several countries that have introduced age restrictions on social media and digital device usage.
- Australia banned children under 16 from using platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook in November 2024 to protect them from harmful content.
- Vietnam enforces Decree 147, which limits online gaming to 3 hours per day and requires identity verification for digital platforms.
- China imposes a nationwide ban on digital device usage from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for children, while teenagers aged 16 to 18 are restricted to 2 hours of screen time per day.
- France and Germany require parental consent for children under 15 and 16, respectively, to access social media platforms.
Public Reactions and Support for the Regulation
The proposal has gained widespread public support. Leona, a mother from Bekasi, agreed with the initiative, stating that unrestricted social media access exposes children to inappropriate content.
“I wholeheartedly agree with this initiative. It would be great if social media usage were restricted to those 15 years and older,” she said.
Rudi, a Jakarta resident, likened the regulation to film age restrictions, emphasizing the potential dangers of unfiltered online content.
“Just as we regulate films by age, we should do the same with online platforms to protect children,” he stated.
Popular YouTuber and mother Ria Ricis also supported the move, revealing that she does not allow her child to have a social media account.
“I don’t let my child have social media. It’s important for her development that she isn’t exposed to it yet,” Ricis shared.
Calls for Better Monitoring and Parental Supervision
Retno Listyarti, Head of the Expert Council of the Indonesian Federation of Teachers’ Unions (FSGI), emphasized the role of parents and teachers in supervising children’s digital activities.
“To monitor their children effectively, parents and teachers should be on the same social media platforms and be their friends,” she told Beritasatu.com.
Technology analyst Heru Sutadi also called for stricter enforcement of age restrictions for social media platforms, arguing that existing regulations are not adequately enforced.
“Currently, some platforms have minimum age requirements, but violations continue. The government needs to ensure these regulations are followed,” Sutadi said.
With increasing concerns over the mental and emotional well-being of children in the digital age, the Indonesian government’s proposed regulation signals a significant step toward fostering a safer online environment for the younger generation.
FAQ: Indonesia’s Social Media Age Restriction Proposal
1. Why is Indonesia planning to restrict social media access for children under 16?
The government aims to protect children from harmful online content and address concerns about excessive gadget use, which affects their cognitive development and critical thinking skills.
2. What statistics support this proposal?
According to the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), 221 million Indonesians are internet users, with 12.27 percent being children aged 5-12. Additionally, UNICEF reports that 89 percent of children in Indonesia spend an average of 5 hours and 24 minutes online daily.
3. How does Indonesia compare to other countries in social media regulations?
Countries like Australia, China, Vietnam, France, and Germany have already implemented strict regulations on social media access for minors, including screen time limits and age verification measures.
4. What impact will this regulation have on education?
The government encourages responsible technology use in education and aims to shift students away from excessive social media consumption toward more productive digital engagement.
5. How can parents help regulate their children’s social media usage?
Experts recommend that parents actively monitor their children’s online activities, set screen time limits, and engage in digital literacy education to help them navigate online risks safely.
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