Support for social media restrictions for children continues to grow, with parents in Mamuju expressing approval of the government’s latest policy aimed at protecting minors in the digital space.
Ahmad Udin, a local resident, described the regulation as a clear sign of the state’s commitment to safeguarding children, who represent the country’s future.
“This is a form of the state’s presence in providing protection for children, who are future leaders,” he said on Saturday.
Concerns over negative influence of online content
Ahmad, who works as a lawyer in Mamuju, said the decision to impose social media restrictions for children under 16 is both timely and necessary. He pointed out that teenagers are particularly vulnerable to negative influences circulating online.
According to him, many forms of content on social media can expose children to harmful behavior and values if left unchecked.
“We see a lot of things on social media today that can lead children into negative influences. With this regulation, we appreciate the government’s efforts to protect children,” he explained.
Policy seen as practical support for parents
For many families, the regulation is not only about protection but also about practical support in managing children’s digital habits.
Ahmad, who is also affiliated with LBH Vox Justitia Populi in Mamuju, said parents have long struggled to limit their children’s access to social media.
Children, he noted, often find ways to bypass restrictions set at home.
“However, with this regulation in place, it will be very helpful for parents, as children will no longer be able to access social media freely because it will be automatically restricted by platform providers,” he said.
Teachers highlight impact on learning concentration
Support for social media restrictions for children is also coming from the education sector. Sarjan, a teacher in Mamuju, said the policy could help improve students’ focus in school.
“With these restrictions, it is hoped that children will concentrate more on the learning process,” he said.
He added that many school-age children currently struggle to focus in class due to excessive internet use, particularly social media.
Need for stronger collaboration between parents and schools
While welcoming the regulation, educators emphasized that its success will depend on cooperation between parents and teachers.
Sarjan stressed that both sides must play an active role in guiding children and ensuring that restrictions are effectively implemented.
“We hope that the role of parents and teachers can be further optimized so that the implementation of restrictions can be maximized,” he said.
Government enforces new regulation with penalties
The Indonesian government officially implemented social media restrictions for children under 16 on March 28, 2026, as part of a broader effort to create a safer digital environment.
The policy is based on Minister of Communication and Digital Regulation No. 9 of 2026, which sets clear guidelines for platform compliance.
Under the regulation, digital platforms that fail to enforce age-based restrictions may face penalties, including fines.
Protecting children in an evolving digital landscape
The introduction of social media restrictions for children reflects growing awareness of the risks associated with digital exposure, including harmful content and potential mental health impacts.
In regions such as Mamuju, the positive response from parents and educators indicates strong public support for measures that prioritize child safety.
As implementation moves forward, the effectiveness of the policy will depend on consistent enforcement, technological compliance, and continued collaboration between families, schools, and authorities.
