Arabic version: حظر وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي في إندونيسيا يثير ردود فعل متباينة بين الأسر
Indonesia’s decision to ban social media for children under 16 has left teen influencer Charissa Putri Chandra Kirana heartbroken. The regulation, set to take effect on March 28, has generated a mix of disbelief and support from parents and teenagers alike.
According to ABC News, the 14-year-old expressed her distress over the ban, stating, “How could the government do this? Kids don’t always inherit success from [their] parents, some of us must start from the bottom.” Charissa has been a significant financial contributor to her family, with her earnings supporting her mother’s medical treatment and her sister’s education. Her mother, Eva Rosalina, voiced her concerns, stating that the regulation disrupts her daughter’s role as the family’s breadwinner.
Indonesia will be the first country in South-East Asia to impose such restrictions, following Australia’s world-first ban. The ban will prevent children under 16 from accessing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid highlighted the dangers faced by children online, including cyberbullying and addiction, stating that the government aims to assist parents in managing these risks.
Despite the government’s intentions, there are concerns about the practical implementation of the ban. Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti emphasized the challenges of ensuring that children do not create fake accounts to bypass the restrictions. Experts have echoed these concerns, questioning how the government will effectively monitor compliance among a large population.
While some teenagers oppose the ban, others like Ailova Fimayoki support it, believing it can reduce screen time and promote healthier habits. Ailova’s mother, Fira Mahda, expressed her approval of the government’s intervention, indicating that she would support her children in adhering to the new rules. Social media companies are beginning to respond, with X raising its minimum user age to comply with the ban and TikTok stating its commitment to working with the Indonesian government to ensure safe online spaces for teens.
As Indonesia prepares for this significant policy change, the mixed reactions from families highlight the complexities surrounding social media use among youth and the ongoing discussions about safety and regulation in the digital age.
