Indonesia to ban social media and other online platforms for under 16s The Indonesian government announced plans to ban social media platforms and other online services for users under the age of 16, starting on 28 March. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid revealed that accounts for minors on high-risk platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox will be deactivated. Hafid emphasized that this move would make Indonesia the first non-Western country to delay children’s access to digital spaces based on age. The minister highlighted concerns about the risks children face online, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction. She stated that the government is intervening to reduce the burden on parents, who often struggle to monitor their children’s digital activities. Hafid argued that the ban aims to protect children from the “giants of algorithm-driven platforms” and ensure their safety in the digital world. Unicef reported in 2023 that approximately half of the 510 Indonesian children surveyed had encountered sexual content on social media. Parents like Amanda Kusumo, a 42-year-old working mother with a teenage son, welcomed the policy. She noted that government regulations provide relief for parents who lack the time to constantly supervise their children’s online behavior. Amanda expressed confidence that the ban would bring long-term benefits for both children and families. However, some young people, like Amanda’s 17-year-old son, Matt Joseph, expressed mixed opinions. While acknowledging the challenges of managing screen time, Matt argued that a complete ban on “risky” platforms might not be the most effective solution.#facebook #tiktok #youtube #indonesia #meutya_hafid
