Indonesia will restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16, its communications and digital ministry said on Friday (6 March), becoming the latest country to introduce online guardrails aimed at reducing the risks of addiction and cyberbullying.
Indonesia will restrict access to social media platforms for children under 16, its communications and digital ministry said on Friday (6 March), becoming the latest country to introduce online guardrails aimed at reducing the risks of addiction and cyberbullying.
Meutya Hafid, Indonesia's Communications and Digital Minister, said in a video statement that the government would "delay access" to social media accounts for children under 16 through a ministerial regulation issued on Friday.
Starting on 28 March, accounts owned by children under 16 on “high-risk platforms” will be gradually deactivated. Platforms affected include TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Roblox.
"The process will be done gradually until all platforms fulfil their obligations," Meutya said, without elaborating on the specific requirements.
She acknowledged potential challenges for families.
"We realise this may cause discomfort in the beginning. Children may complain and parents may be confused about dealing with their complaints. Our children are facing risks, from cyberbullying and online fraud to, most importantly, addiction."
Internet penetration in Indonesia, a country of about 280 million people, reached 79.5% in 2024, according to a survey of 8,700 people by the Indonesia Internet Service Providers Association.
The survey showed that 48% of children under 12 had access to the internet, with some respondents in that age group using Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. It also found that internet penetration stood at 87% among Gen Z users aged 12 to 27.
A number of governments have imposed curbs on social media use by children amid mounting concerns about the impact of social media on the safety and mental health of minors..
Indonesia's neighbour Malaysia announced in November that it would also ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting in 2026.
Australia introduced a ban on social media for under-16s in December, and Spain said last month that it would also ban access to social media for minors under 16.
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