Indonesia Considers Minimum Age for Social Media Use

As Indonesia prepares legislation aimed at protecting minors from the dangers of social media, discussions among families about internet safety are intensifying, Al Jazeera reported. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has proposed a minimum age requirement, echoing recent measures taken by Australia, which became the first country to ban social media access for under-16s.

While the specific age limit has yet to be determined, Indonesian officials emphasize the need for stronger regulations to shield children from “physical, mental, or moral perils.” With approximately 139 million Indonesians using social media, and nearly half of children under 12 accessing platforms like TikTok and Instagram, the potential impact of such legislation is significant.

Experts warn that enforcing age limits could raise privacy concerns, as platforms may require identification to verify users’ ages. This could lead to sensitive data breaches unless handled carefully.

Some social workers argue that while social media has its drawbacks—such as anxiety and bullying—it can also foster creativity and communication skills. They advocate for balanced approaches that involve monitoring and guiding children’s social media use rather than outright bans. As the government drafts its legislation, the conversation about online safety continues to evolve across the archipelago.