Jakarta: Indonesia has begun implementing a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16, starting Saturday. The move aims to protect children from harmful online content, making Indonesia the first country in Southeast Asia to enforce such a regulation at the national level.
Under the new rules, children will not be allowed to open or use accounts on major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said all platforms must comply with the new policy, and failure to do so could result in penalties.
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Announcing the regulation earlier in March, Minister Hafid stated it would apply to approximately 70 million children in a country with a total population of around 280 million. She acknowledged that implementing the rule would be challenging. Hafid said, “This is certainly a difficult task. But we must take steps to keep our children safe. It is not easy.”
Gradual Implementation and Compliance Challenges
The policy is designed to reclaim responsibility for child safety from tech companies and ensure the protection of teenagers. In Indonesia, the restrictions will be gradually implemented so that all platforms have time to comply.
Some lower-risk services will remain accessible to younger children under tighter safeguards. Hafid warned that companies failing to comply may face strict action, including the potential blocking of platforms. Companies have also been advised to complete a child safety self-assessment by June.
Last year, Indonesia had already announced penalties for companies violating child protection rules, which included blocking platforms in extreme cases. According to the Indonesia Internet Service Providers’ Association, internet penetration in the country reached 80.66% in 2025.
Global Trend Towards Child Safety on Social Media
Following Indonesia’s move, other countries are also taking action to protect children online. Nations such as Spain, Brazil, Malaysia, France, and the United Kingdom are enforcing stricter rules to limit children’s access to social media. The goal is to safeguard children from unregulated content while protecting their mental and physical well-being.
Experts say that digital safety for children has now become a global concern. Technology specialists note, “As children’s presence on social media increases, so do risks related to harmful content, online scams, and data misuse. This makes national-level regulations essential.”
Indonesia’s historic step is prompting other Asian and global countries to consider similar measures to ensure children’s digital safety. Experts say that this initiative is not only about protecting children but also represents a critical step toward future digital responsibility.
