The push for a social media restriction for children Indonesia is gaining broader support, as religious leaders and policymakers emphasize the need to shield minors from harmful online exposure.
Ahmad Zuhdi Muhdlor, head of the Regional Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, said limiting access to social media for children under 16 is essential to protect their moral development.
“Children cannot yet think deeply about the consequences of what they see on social media. Content that appears heroic can easily be imitated without understanding the risks,” Zuhdi said on Saturday.
The social media restriction for children Indonesia policy, which came into effect on March 28, 2026, aims to address growing concerns over children’s exposure to harmful content, including violence and pornography.
Zuhdi explained that minors generally lack the maturity to evaluate digital content critically. As a result, they are more likely to imitate what they see online without understanding the long-term consequences.
He stressed that children’s limited ability to filter information increases the urgency of implementing structured restrictions on social media use.
Despite existing rules in schools, enforcement remains inconsistent. Zuhdi highlighted that weak supervision—both at home and in educational settings—makes it difficult to control children’s use of social media.
“In some schools, children are required to hand over their phones during breaks, but this is not always followed. Some even bring two devices—one to submit and another to continue accessing social media,” he said.
The integration of mobile phones into learning activities has further complicated the issue. While digital tools support education, they also provide direct access to social media platforms.
“The current teaching and learning process relies on mobile phones, which have effectively become the main gateway to social media. This requires serious adjustments,” Zuhdi added.
Zuhdi emphasized that implementing a social media restriction for children Indonesia policy must be accompanied by strong parental involvement and consistent supervision.
Without proper control, he warned, children can easily access inappropriate content that may negatively affect their behavior and psychological development.
“Children still struggle to filter harmful material. Without supervision, they can be exposed to violence, pornography, and other damaging content,” he said.
He added that children’s psychological condition is still developing, making them particularly vulnerable to external influences from digital media.
At the national level, the government has reinforced its commitment to enforcing child protection in the digital space. On Friday evening, Meutya Hafid stated that authorities would take firm action against digital platforms that fail to comply with regulations.
She referred to Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, which serves as the legal foundation for the policy.
“The government has instructed all digital platforms operating in Indonesia to align their products, features, and services with applicable regulations,” Meutya said.
“There will be no compromise on compliance. Every business entity operating in Indonesia must adhere to national laws,” she added.
The social media restriction for children Indonesia reflects broader efforts to balance rapid digital expansion with the need for stronger safeguards for minors.
Indonesia’s growing digital ecosystem offers opportunities in education and innovation, but it also presents risks, particularly for younger users who may lack the ability to navigate online spaces safely.
By combining regulation, education, and community involvement, the government aims to create a safer digital environment for children.
As the policy takes effect, its success will depend on enforcement and public awareness. Experts note that consistent monitoring and cooperation between schools, families, and authorities will be crucial.
Support from major organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama adds momentum to the initiative, signaling a unified approach to protecting children in the digital era.
The coming months will determine how effectively Indonesia can implement this policy and whether it can serve as a model for other countries addressing similar challenges.
