In a statement, teacher Ernawati from SMP Negeri 3 Selong in Indonesia emphasized that monitoring children's use of social media has become an urgent necessity to counter the negative impacts of modern technology. She noted that the absence of parental supervision could expose children to risks such as cyberbullying and misuse.
Ernawati explained that social media can serve as a positive platform for children to showcase their talents, but it is essential that this occurs under parental supervision. She pointed out that unsupervised use can lead to negative behaviors such as mutual abuse among children.
Event Details
In her remarks, Ernawati stressed the urgent need to activate parental control tools available through applications, such as those on Google, which allow parents to monitor their children's activities on smartphones. Teacher Ini Yusriani from Jihad Ummah School also supported the necessity of imposing restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 13, noting that many children bypass these restrictions by using fake accounts.
Yusriani suggested implementing an identity verification system, such as requiring a photo of an ID card or student card, to ensure that children do not use these platforms illegally.
Background & Context
These statements come as part of the Indonesian government's efforts to protect children from the risks associated with social media. A plan has been announced to impose restrictions on children's accounts across various platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, under the Child Protection Law issued in 2025.
Historically, Indonesia has witnessed a significant increase in social media usage among children, leading to the proliferation of negative phenomena such as cyberbullying. Studies have shown that children who use these platforms without supervision face greater risks related to mental and behavioral health.
Impact & Consequences
Studies warn that excessive use of social media can lead to psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, especially among children who do not receive adequate support from parents. This has prompted teachers and parents to call for strict controls to protect children.
Additionally, the lack of supervision can lead to behavioral deviations, as research has shown that children exposed to inappropriate content online may adopt aggressive or unacceptable behaviors.
Regional Significance
The issue of protecting children from the dangers of social media is a global concern, with many Arab countries facing similar challenges. Studies have indicated that children in the Arab world encounter comparable risks due to unsupervised use of these platforms.
Therefore, the Indonesian experience could serve as a model for Arab countries, where similar policies can be adopted to protect children from digital risks, with the necessity of involving families in these efforts.