The government has officially restricted access to social media for children under 16 as of March 28, 2026, through Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation No. 9 of 2026, an implementing regulation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Operations in Child Protection.
This policy deactivates social media accounts to protect children from negative content, cyberbullying, and digital addiction. Moreover, digital addiction has become a daily concern for children’s development due to continuous exposure to targeted content.
A lecturer from the Department of Communication Science at UGM’s Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL UGM), Gilang Desti Parahita, appreciated the government’s step in paying attention to child protection in the digital space. Gilang perceived this policy to be necessary because social media consumption is no longer limited to adults but also involves children, requiring protection across regulatory, industry, and content dimensions.
However, she cautioned that age restrictions alone may not be sufficient to reduce the negative impacts of social media.
She noted that Indonesia is not the first country to impose age restrictions on social media users. Similar measures have been implemented in Australia, China, the European Union, the United States, and Vietnam, all aimed at reducing the negative effects of access on young children who require protection.
On the other hand, she observed that today’s children possess high levels of digital literacy and can easily access platforms.
“The more something is prohibited, the more it is sought after. Children today are also technologically savvy; they can use VPNs or other methods to gain access,” she explained on Tuesday (Mar. 31).
She argued that a restriction-based approach could be counterproductive if not complemented by more comprehensive strategies. In this regard, she emphasized the need for alternative age-verification mechanisms that do not rely on collecting sensitive personal data. One option is a parental consent system, in which a child’s account must be linked to and approved by a parent’s account to provide supervision and guidance.
In addition, Gilang warned of emerging risks related to personal data protection. During the age verification process, users may be required to submit documents such as a Child Identity Card (KIA) or Family Card to digital platforms.
“The potential for data breaches poses a threat that is no less serious,” she said.
She emphasized that social media companies play a significant role in shaping user behavior, including children’s. One major concern she highlighted is the lack of transparency in digital platform algorithms. She pointed out that continuously presented short-form content can affect children’s ability to concentrate.
Gilang also underscored the practice of profiling and personalized advertising targeting users. This involves monitoring habits, preferences, and interests, making it difficult for users to disengage from exposure. She stressed that such practices should be limited, as they can trap children in repetitive content without healthy opportunities for exploration.
“The content on their social media will consist entirely of things they like, making it hard to break away. Personalized advertising and profiling must be restricted, and children, in particular, should not be profiled,” she stated.
Furthermore, Gilang highlighted that social media companies must also be held accountable for any harmful impacts. She cited cases where children are exposed to strangers, leading to potential violence. According to her, not only the perpetrators but also the related social media companies should be held responsible.
She added that the phenomenon of digital addiction cannot be separated from broader factors. It affects not only children but also adults, who are increasingly dependent on technology. She pointed out that daily needs, such as school transportation services and online learning, make it difficult for children to be separated from digital devices.
“Gadgets are now considered as common as social media itself. Moreover, television content may no longer be appealing, so where is educational content for children today?” she questioned.
Rather than focusing solely on restrictions, she suggested that social media companies improve their algorithm systems to be more child-friendly and transparent.
“Content filtering can be adjusted according to users’ age based on verified data and with parental awareness,” she said.
She also warned that overly strict restrictions could create a shock effect when children turn 16 and are suddenly exposed to commercial content without adequate preparation. In this context, Gilang emphasized the importance of the roles of families and schools in providing guidance.
“Children are a fundamental responsibility, so collaboration between parents and educational institutions is essential,” she explained.
She stressed the importance of digital literacy through open education for parents and teachers. For example, through recommendations for parental-control applications or child-friendly devices.
“When children begin early childhood education, teachers can guide parents to use control applications at home or recommend safer devices for children,” she said.
In conclusion, she emphasized the importance of policy approaches based on scientific research and involving multiple stakeholders. These include the public, universities, academics, and child protection NGOs.
She also stressed the need to explore measures beyond age restrictions when formulating child protection policies in the digital technology landscape.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Freepik