The psychologist Smarny from the Women's and Children's Protection Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD PPA) in Natuna, Indonesia, announced that the PP Tunas app serves as a strong foundation for positive social change among children. This program aims to enhance social interactions among children through positive group activities, contributing to the development of their social skills.
Smarny explained that providing more time for children to interact with their peers through group activities can help them better develop their social skills. This interaction also fosters empathy, self-discovery, facing challenges, and optimizing opportunities.
Event Details
These statements come in the context of the PP Tunas app, which was approved under Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, followed by Minister of Communications and Digitalization Regulation No. 9 of 2026. This law aims to improve children's focus on learning by imposing restrictions on the use of digital devices and the content available on social media.
Smarny asserts that these regulations will help improve children's mental health, as the organized use of digital devices can reduce the risks of stress resulting from excessive individual activity in the digital space.
Background & Context
The implementation of PP Tunas coincides with growing concerns about the negative effects of excessive digital device use on children. Studies indicate that children who spend too much time in the digital space may face issues such as addiction, exposure to cyberbullying, and access to age-inappropriate content.
In this context, Smarny considers that children under the age of 16 are still in the developmental stage of the decision-making part of their brains, making them susceptible to social pressures and difficulties in controlling their emotions.
Impact & Consequences
Smarny anticipates that the implementation of PP Tunas will enhance the quality of life for children by promoting positive social interaction. Additionally, the organized use of social media can provide children with opportunities to be more productive, allowing them to use technology safely to develop their skills.
Research indicates that children can benefit from social media by participating in competitions, writing content, sharing educational activities, or creating creative content that inspires their peers.
Regional Significance
The Natuna experience with the PP Tunas app serves as a model that many Arab countries facing similar challenges in protecting children from digital risks can benefit from. Arab countries can draw inspiration from this model to develop policies that protect children and enhance their social interactions.
In conclusion, the success of these policies requires cooperation between the government, the community, families, and educators to ensure the protection of children in the digital space. Parents must be part of this effort by monitoring and supporting their children's use of technology.