The Bali Department of Social Affairs and Women's Empowerment (Dinsos P3A) has urged parents to monitor their children's activities in the digital space, given the growing risks children face due to increased technology usage. This request comes as part of the implementation of a new law aimed at regulating the use of electronic systems to protect children, which recently came into effect.
AA Sagung Mas Dwipayani, the head of Dinsos P3A, emphasized that the role of parents is crucial in protecting children from digital risks, highlighting the importance of parental consent for children's use of various applications. She explained that children today cannot detach from technology, whether for educational purposes or social interaction, making them vulnerable to dangers such as cyberbullying and exploitation.
Details of the New Law
Sagung Mas noted that the new law, known as PP TUNAS, represents a strategic step towards protecting children in the technology era. She clarified that the absence of strong regulations could expose children to multiple risks, such as online sexual exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content. Furthermore, she confirmed that Dinsos P3A has been receiving an increasing number of complaints regarding the use of social media as a tool for committing crimes, such as child sexual exploitation.
She also reported cases related to the spread of intolerance and radicalism among children via social media, necessitating immediate intervention from parents and the community.
Background & Context
This call comes at a time when children's internet usage is on the rise, with studies indicating that a significant percentage of children worldwide own smartphones and use social media. As this phenomenon increases, so do the associated risks, prompting the need for effective strategies to protect children.
Historically, many countries around the world have witnessed a rise in cases of cyberbullying and online sexual assaults, leading to legal responses from governments. In this context, the PP TUNAS law in Bali is considered an important step towards enhancing child protection in the digital space.
Impact & Consequences
This initiative serves as a call for parents to take responsibility for protecting their children from digital risks. In addition to laws, the family’s role remains central in educating children about safe technology use. By fostering open communication between parents and children, parents can create a safe environment that encourages children to discuss their experiences in the digital space.
Moreover, enhancing digital literacy skills among families can help mitigate risks, as parents need to establish clear rules for device and social media use and teach children how to critically engage with information.
Regional Significance
Arab countries face similar challenges in protecting children from digital risks, as internet usage among children and youth is increasing. Therefore, the experiences and lessons shared among countries, such as Bali's experience, can be beneficial in developing effective strategies to protect children in the Arab world.
Ultimately, it requires a concerted effort among governments, civil society, and families to ensure a safe digital environment for children, where protecting children from digital risks should be a top priority.