Indonesia has announced plans to ban social media and several other online platforms for children under the age of 16, becoming the latest country to introduce measures aimed at protecting young people from online abuse and harmful digital content.
The policy was confirmed by Meutya Hafid, the country’s communications and digital affairs minister, who said accounts belonging to users under 16 on “high-risk” platforms will be deactivated starting 28 March.
The move forms part of a broader effort by the Indonesian government to strengthen online safety regulations for minors and limit their exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and digital exploitation. Officials have indicated that the restrictions will apply mainly to platforms considered to pose higher risks to young users.
“This will start with platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox,” said Hafid, adding that the ban would make Indonesia “the first non-Western country to delay children’s access to digital spaces according to age”.
There was no immediate response from the affected platforms.
Indonesia has announced plans to ban social media and several other online platforms for children under the age of 16, becoming the latest country to introduce measures aimed at protecting young people from online abuse and harmful digital content.
The policy was confirmed by Meutya Hafid, the country’s communications and digital affairs minister, who said accounts belonging to users under 16 on “high-risk” platforms will be deactivated starting 28 March.
The move forms part of a broader effort by the Indonesian government to strengthen online safety regulations for minors and limit their exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and digital exploitation. Officials have indicated that the restrictions will apply mainly to platforms considered to pose higher risks to young users.
Amanda’s 17-year-old son, Matt Joseph, said he could understand the arguments both in favour of and against the proposed ban on social media use for younger teenagers
“It’s true that children still can’t fully manage their own screen time or control themselves when using their phones. But if the government chooses to completely block all platforms considered “risky” for them, I feel there might be a gentler, wiser way to approach it,” he said.
Matt Joseph feels that much of what young people enjoy comes from social media. If the government wants them to use it less, they need an incentive – such as improving what is available to watch on TV – he suggested.
“It would be nice to have entertainment that feels like it’s really meant for us, something that supports learning while still giving us joy.”
Meanwhile, Indonesian Child Protection Commission said it could not comment on the government’s proposal until it had reviewed the details of the plan.
