KH Ahmad Zuhdi Mahdlor, the head of the Yogyakarta region of the Nahdlatul Ulama Association, has stressed the importance of imposing restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16. He pointed out that this measure aims to protect them from negative influences that could affect their morals and principles. He explained that children at this age do not possess the adequate ability to think deeply about the impacts they encounter through these platforms.
In his remarks, Zuhdi noted that children tend to imitate what they see on social media, which can lead to inappropriate behaviors. He confirmed that the Nahdlatul Ulama Association supports these restrictions, which are scheduled to take effect on March 28, 2026, as they will help protect children from exposure to violent or inappropriate content.
Details of the Initiative
Zuhdi clarified that children face difficulties in filtering the content they are exposed to on social media, such as violence and pornographic material, which increases the risk of them mimicking these behaviors without understanding the consequences. He also pointed out that the lack of oversight in using these platforms makes it challenging to control children's behavior both in schools and at home.
He added that there are numerous cases of children possessing more than one phone, where they hand over one phone only during breaks while continuing to use another to access social media. He emphasized that the use of smartphones in the educational process may facilitate access to these platforms, necessitating a reevaluation of how technology is used in education.
Background & Context
These statements come at a time when many countries around the world are increasingly concerned about the impact of social media on children and adolescents. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to inappropriate content can negatively affect children's mental health, prompting the need for preventive measures. The Indonesian government has also recently issued new laws aimed at protecting children in the digital space, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding children's rights in the digital age.
In this context, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, Mutiya Hafid, confirmed that the government will not tolerate any digital platform that does not comply with laws related to child protection. He clarified that all digital platforms operating in Indonesia are required to modify their products and services to comply with local laws.
Impact & Consequences
This step is considered a significant move towards enhancing child protection in the digital space, as it could contribute to reducing their exposure to harmful content. Additionally, imposing restrictions on social media use may encourage families to engage more actively in monitoring their children's use of these platforms, thereby strengthening the family's role in child protection.
However, these restrictions may face challenges in implementation, as they require cooperation from all stakeholders, including schools and families. There is also a need to educate children on how to use social media safely.
Regional Significance
The issue of protecting children from the effects of social media is also a concern for many Arab countries, where there is a rising trend in the use of these platforms among youth. Studies in some Arab countries have shown that children and adolescents are exposed to inappropriate content that affects their behavior and thoughts. Therefore, Indonesia's experience may serve as a model for Arab countries in developing effective policies to protect children.
In conclusion, the importance of taking serious steps to protect children from the negative impacts of social media is highlighted, requiring broad cooperation between governments, communities, and families to ensure a safe environment for children in the digital world.