Mar 9 β€’ 02:45 UTC πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

Indonesia to Restrict Children's SNS Accounts as "Addiction Becomes Severe"

Indonesia plans to gradually suspend social media accounts for children under the age of 16, citing worsening addiction and other threats in the digital space.

On June 6, the Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Johnny G. Plate, announced plans to gradually suspend social media accounts held by children under 16 years of age, which he described as 'high-risk' platforms. This move comes in response to increasing concerns over the dangers that children face in the digital environment, particularly issues related to addiction. Minister Plate emphasized that the threat of digital addiction among the youth has become a significant issue that needs urgent attention.

The regulation on children's social media usage has gained traction globally, with Australia leading the way by legislating such measures, set to take effect in December 2025. Following Australia's example, several European countries, including the UK and Spain, have also indicated plans to implement similar restrictions. This global trend reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect children from the potential harms of social media, especially as its use becomes more prevalent among younger audiences.

Indonesia's decision aligns with a larger, international conversation about the responsibilities of social media platforms and governments in safeguarding young users. As nations grapple with the implications of social media on mental health and development, Indonesia’s steps could influence other countries to evaluate their policies regarding children's access to digital platforms, signaling a shift towards prioritizing child safety in the face of digital threats.

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