Behind the Scenes of Children's Social Media: Threats from Bullying to Pornography
Jakarta — Behind children’s activity on social media lie various serious risks ranging from cyberbullying, exposure to pornography, to online sexual exploitation.
The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) views such high vulnerability as one reason for the emergence of policies restricting digital platform access for children under 16 years of age.
Various risks from cyberbullying to online sexual exploitation are considered strong reasons for the emergence of policies restricting children’s access to certain digital platforms.
“Forms include grooming, sextortion or extortion with threats to distribute photos or videos of child victims, creation and distribution of child sexual content, and invitations to engage in sexually explicit video calls,” said Kawiyan when contacted on Monday, 9 March 2026.
In addition to sexual exploitation, children are also vulnerable to becoming victims of cyberbullying. Forms can include insults in social media comment sections, spreading rumours or slander, and exclusion from digital groups.
According to Kawiyan, the impact of cyberbullying on children’s psychological condition can be very serious, ranging from stress and depression to the emergence of suicidal ideation.
“Children often do not realise the importance of personal data protection, making them vulnerable to photo and identity theft, online fraud, and misuse of data for various digital crimes,” said Kawiyan.
Additionally, addiction to social media and online gaming has also become a serious problem.
The KPAI noted a case in mid-2025 in Semarang City, where a 15-year-old secondary school student experienced online gaming addiction to the point where academic performance declined and they experienced mental health problems.
Regarding the policy of restricting digital platform access for children under 16 years of age, KPAI will play a role in monitoring the implementation of such regulations.
Kawiyan stated that KPAI can conduct monitoring to ensure digital platforms truly implement age verification systems and prevent children under 16 from accessing high-risk platforms.
“KPAI can also identify platforms that do not apply child protection standards. The results of such monitoring can later provide recommendations to the government,” he said.