Indonesia Targets Teen Social Media Use With New Under-16 Restrictions

Indonesia is preparing to limit social media use among children under the age of 16, in a major effort to reduce the risks young people face online. The government says the regulation is meant to protect minors from cyberbullying, harmful content, online scams and the growing problem of digital addiction.

The policy was announced by Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid. In a video message, she explained that the government will begin delaying or restricting social media access for children who are younger than 16. The new rule will start being implemented on March 28 through a ministerial regulation.

Authorities say the restrictions will first apply to platforms considered “high-risk.” These include TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Roblox, which are widely used by young people. Accounts belonging to under-age users on such platforms will be slowly deactivated as the government works with companies to enforce the new requirements.

Hafid admitted that the change may not be welcomed by everyone at first. Many children could be unhappy about losing access to their favorite apps, and parents may struggle to explain the new rules. However, she insisted that protecting young people must come first.

“We realise this may cause discomfort in the beginning. Children may complain and parents may be confused dealing with their complaints,” she said.

The minister warned that the dangers facing children online are becoming more serious. Young users can easily encounter inappropriate content, harassment or fraud. She stressed that addiction to social media is also a growing concern among teenagers.

“Our children are facing risks, from porn, cyberbullying, online fraud to most importantly, addiction,” Hafid said.

Indonesia believes the move will make it the first non-Western nation to introduce such strong limits on social media access for minors. Around the world, governments are increasingly worried about the impact of digital platforms on children’s mental health and safety.

Other countries have already started taking action. Australia recently introduced a ban on social media for people under 16, while Spain has also announced plans for similar restrictions. Malaysia has said it intends to enforce a comparable rule starting in 2026.

The debate is growing as internet use among young Indonesians continues to expand. A recent survey shows that almost 80 percent of the country’s population is now online. Alarmingly, nearly half of children under 12 already have internet access, with many actively using major social platforms.

For Indonesian authorities, the new rule is a warning signal to both parents and technology companies. Officials say the digital space must become safer for children before its influence grows even further.