Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian Parliament Atalia\nPraratya considers the government\u2019s policy limiting children\u2019s use of\ninstant artificial intelligence (AI) and social media to be an important\nstep in protecting the healthy development of young people in the\ndigital age of 2026.<\/p>\n
The strategic policy has been formalised through a Joint Ministerial\nDecree (SKB) involving seven ministers on guidelines for utilising\ndigital technology and artificial intelligence in education. The\nregulation has been further strengthened through the Communications and\nDigital Ministry Regulation (Permenkomdigi) Number 9 of 2026.<\/p>\n
This regulation derives from Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025\non the governance of electronic systems in child protection (TUNAS).<\/p>\n
Praratya explained that restricting instant generative AI tools such\nas ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude for students from primary through\nsecondary school aims to prevent negative effects on children\u2019s\ncognitive development.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren need to learn the thinking process, not merely receive\ninstant answers from a machine. If this thinking process is bypassed,\nthere is a risk of creating a generation that quickly obtains answers\nbut is weak in understanding problems,\u201d Praratya stated in Jakarta on\nSunday (15 March).<\/p>\n
The restriction on instant AI is intended to ensure students continue\nto sharpen their independent thinking abilities and conduct deep\nanalysis without dependence on algorithms.<\/p>\n
In addition to AI restrictions, the government has also tightened\nsocial media access for children under 16 years old. Account enforcement\non various popular digital platforms is planned to begin in stages\nstarting on 28 March 2026.<\/p>\n
Several platforms targeted for enforcement include YouTube and\nTikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Threads, X (formerly Twitter) and Bigo\nLive, as well as gaming platforms such as Roblox.<\/p>\n
This approach aligns with global trends tightening digital access to\nprotect children\u2019s mental health. Based on data from Common Sense Media,\nchildren aged 8-12 years currently spend an average of up to five hours\ndaily in front of screens, raising concerns about digital addiction.<\/p>\n
Praratya believes that these strict regulations must be accompanied\nby strengthening digital literacy for the ecosystem supporting children,\nnamely parents and teachers. She encourages the development of a more\nproductive and child-friendly AI learning curriculum.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose of this policy is not to ban technology, but to ensure\nour children are mentally, intellectually and socially prepared before\ntruly entering the complex digital world,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/atalia-praratya-supports-ai-and-social-media-restrictions-for-children-protecting-student-cognitive-1773593595", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }