The Indonesian government intends to implement a comprehensive evaluation study on the impact of the Child Protection Law, known as PP Tunas, on children's mental health. This study will take place before and after the law's implementation, which is scheduled for March 28, 2026. This initiative aims to understand how the increasing use of social media affects children's mental health.
Imran Bambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, stated that the study will include a range of indicators such as the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms, sleep quality, screen time, and incidents of cyberbullying. The study will also assess access to mental health services and family well-being.
Details of the Law
The new law, which aims to protect children's privacy and data in the modern technological era, comes at a time of growing concern about the impact of social media on children. Studies have shown that children in their developmental stages are particularly vulnerable to mental health risks due to excessive use of these platforms.
Data from Gewa Minor Hospital in Surabaya indicates a significant increase in cases related to pornography and online gaming among children, with reported incidents of exposure to pornography rising from 27 cases in 2022 to 133 cases in 2025, while cases related to online gaming increased from 74 cases in 2022 to 360 cases in 2025.
Background & Context
These measures come amid a growing global concern about the impact of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents. Research has shown that excessive use of these platforms can lead to increased risks of psychological disorders, especially among teenage girls who face greater social pressures.
In recent years, many countries have sought to enact laws to protect children from internet-related risks, reflecting the importance of this issue on an international level. Through these steps, the Indonesian government hopes to reduce risks and enhance the mental well-being of children.
Impact & Consequences
The government expects that this study will contribute to the development of effective strategies to protect children from the psychological risks associated with excessive social media use. It will also aid in developing educational programs for parents and schools to raise awareness about safe technology use.
These measures require cooperation between the government, schools, and families to ensure the protection of children. It is crucial to implement effective mechanisms for reporting risks and providing psychological support to affected children.
Regional Significance
This issue is particularly significant for Arab countries, where the rate of social media use among youth is increasing. Arab nations could benefit from Indonesia's experience in enacting similar laws to protect children from digital risks.
In light of the growing challenges faced by Arab youth in the digital world, enhancing awareness about mental health and safe technology use is vital. There must be joint efforts between governments and communities to ensure a safe environment for children and adolescents.