New Delhi: The Indonesian government has taken a major step toward protecting children online. The government has announced that social media use will be restricted for children under the age of 16. This new rule will come into effect on March 28, 2026. The government says this decision is aimed at protecting children from the growing dangers of the internet.
These include problems such as cyberbullying, online fraud, pornographic content, and social media addiction. Under the new rules, social media accounts of children under the age of 16 will be gradually closed. The platforms where this rule will apply include popular platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Roblox. The government has stated that this process will be implemented in a phased manner to give companies time to comply.
Why did the government take this decision?
Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, explained that children today face numerous risks on the internet, including cyberbullying, online fraud, and pornographic content. She added that social media addiction is also rapidly increasing among children, which can impact their mental and social development.
Therefore, the government has decided to implement these rules, prioritizing the safety of children. The government acknowledges that children and parents may initially experience some discomfort after the new rules are implemented. Many children may complain about being left off social media, and parents may have difficulty convincing them. However, the government says that in the long run, this decision will help create a safer digital environment for children.
Many countries around the world are taking such steps.
Indonesia is not the only country that is tightening social media for children. Earlier, Australia, Spain and some European countries have also implemented strict rules to limit the social media use of minors. Experts believe that due to the increasing influence of social media, governments around the world are making new laws regarding the online safety of children. Internet usage is increasing rapidly in Indonesia. According to reports, internet penetration in the country is around 79.5 percent and a large number of children are also using social media platforms. In such a situation, the government believes that it is important to implement rules in time so that children can be protected from the dangers of the digital world.
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