Jakarta (Indonesia): Indonesia has begun enforcing a sweeping ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, marking a major regulatory step aimed at protecting minors from online risks.
Under the new government rules, users below 16 will no longer be allowed to create accounts on popular platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.
The government said the move is designed to shield children from harmful online content, including pornography, cyberbullying, scams and digital addiction. With this decision, Indonesia has become the first nation in Southeast Asia to introduce strict curbs on minors’ use of social media.
The policy, announced earlier by Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid, is expected to impact nearly 70 million children across the country. However, the minister acknowledged that enforcing the regulation will be challenging, as digital platforms will need to ensure compliance and identify underage users.
Despite the hurdles, the government has emphasised the urgency of the measure. Hafid stated that while implementation may be difficult, protecting children from online threats remains a priority that cannot be ignored.
The decision has received support from several parents. A 13-year-old user said she felt “mixed” about the rule but largely agreed with it, while her mother noted that social media has made it increasingly difficult for parents to monitor their children’s activities, calling the restriction a necessary step toward safety.
