APSI Supports Restriction on Social Media Access for Children Under 16

The Indonesian School Supervisors Association (APSI) has voiced its support for the policy restricting social media access for children under 16. Excessive social media use can lead to health disruptions and brain deterioration in children.

This was stated by APSI Central Chairman Agus Sukoco during the Installation of Officials and Working Meeting of APSI across South Kalimantan, on Wednesday (1/4/2026) in Banjarmasin. “In this era of digitalisation, the development of social media must be addressed with wise literacy because it will impact the mental health of children or students. Based on research, it is clear that children’s mental health is increasingly influenced by social media,” he explained.

Therefore, all school community members—teachers, parents, and school supervisors—must play an active role in controlling or limiting students’ social media use. “If children scroll social media for hours, the impact is extraordinary; brain rot can occur because social media algorithms are incredibly powerful,” he said.

Schools should equip students with literacy through the ability to critically interpret every piece of information. This way, children can access healthy and positive social media, ensuring it does not affect their mental health.

As is known, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has officially restricted social media access for children under 16 since 28 March 2026, based on Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 (PP Tunas) and Minister of Komdigi Regulation No. 9 of 2026. This policy aims to protect children from the negative impacts of the internet and social media.

Assistant III for Administration of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government, Dinansyah, stated that supervisors hold a very important and strategic position for the advancement of education. “We hope the presence of APSI can assist the local government in advancing the world of education and improving the quality of human resources in line with the vision and mission of South Kalimantan’s development,” he said.

The Central Leadership of the Ansor Youth Movement has expressed full support for the Government Regulation (PP) Tunas initiated by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi).