Indonesia had already announced initial Social Media restrictions on March 26, but the latest move significantly expands the scope by targeting a wider range of platforms and enforcing stricter age-based controls.
Communications and digital affairs minister Meutya Hafid said accounts belonging to under-16 users on “high-risk” platforms will be deactivated starting March 28. The list includes YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Hafid said the move would make Indonesia the first non-Western country to introduce age-based restrictions of this scale in digital spaces.
Indonesia is Rising Concerns Over Social Media
The government says the decision is driven by growing concerns around children’s exposure to harmful content and online behaviour.
“Our children are facing increasingly real threats ranging from exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, and online scams, to addiction, which is the most significant concern,” Hafid said.
According to UNICEF, nearly half of 510 Indonesian children surveyed in 2023 reported exposure to sexual images on social media, underlining the scale of the issue.
Parents Welcome, Teens Divided
For many parents, the move offers relief. Jakarta-based mother Amanda Kusumo said the regulation could ease the pressure of constantly monitoring children’s online activity.
“With government regulations like this, it really helps ease our worries as parents,” she said, adding she believes the decision will benefit both children and families.
However, not everyone is convinced. Her 17-year-old son, Matt Joseph, acknowledged the risks but questioned whether a complete ban is the best solution.
“It’s true that children still can’t fully manage their screen time,” he said, but added that a more balanced approach might work better. He suggested improving alternative entertainment options if access to social media is restricted.
Concerns Over Rights and Data Privacy
Concerns about implementation exist among many experts, including Nurul Izmi from the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM). She believes that child safety needs to include more than just an age limit on the site and urged for platform safety.
In addition, she is concerned about the risks associated with age verification systems, such as the collection of sensitive personal information, and stressed that proper data protection must be maintained.
Other concerns around children having limited access to information and limitations placed on their freedom of expression were raised by experts who would like to see the implementation of such regulations through lawful, necessary and proportionate limitations on children’s ability and right to search for information.
Are Other Countries Following the Same?
Yes, this teen Social Media Ban is a growing trend, and many other countries have imposed it till now. For example-
- Australia has already implemented a full ban for under-16s (Dec 2025)
- Malaysia is planning a similar restriction
- Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are considering or drafting laws
- In India, even states like Karnataka have proposed restrictions
- Even within Southeast Asia, neighbours are watching closely
So, it’s safe to say that many more countries are moving in the same direction as Indonesia.
Also Read: Apple’s First Foldable iPhone Could Finally Arrive This September
