The Indonesian government has officially announced plans to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16, signaling a major shift toward stronger content controls aimed at reducing risks such as addiction, cyberbullying, and online harassment.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and online safety of young users. Authorities also intend to hold digital platforms responsible for implementing proper age verification measures.
Officials say the decision was taken after increasing evidence of the negative psychological effects of excessive social media use on children and teenagers, which can disrupt their emotional well-being and intellectual development.
Indonesia is not alone in considering such steps. Several governments around the world have introduced or proposed restrictions on children’s access to social media amid mounting concerns over its influence on the mental health of minors.
In this regard, Indonesia’s Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, said the government will “delay access” to social media accounts for children under 16 through a ministerial regulation issued on Friday.
She explained that starting March 28, accounts belonging to children under 16 on what authorities describe as “high-risk platforms” will gradually be deactivated.
Hafid added that the implementation of the new requirements will be carried out in phases to allow digital platforms time to comply with the regulations.
“We realize this may cause discomfort in the beginning. Children may complain and parents might feel confused about how to handle their reactions,” she said.
The detailed framework of the regulation has not yet been fully disclosed. However, recent surveys highlight the widespread use of the internet in Indonesia.
According to data, internet penetration in the country reached 79.5 percent in 2024, representing around 221 million users. The survey also revealed that 48 percent of children under the age of 12 have internet access, with many actively using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Meanwhile, internet usage is even higher among Generation Z, with penetration reaching 87 percent among individuals aged between 12 and 27.
