BKKBN: Social Media Restrictions Encourage Children to Be More Productive and Interactive

Banjarmasin - Representatives from the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) in South Kalimantan have emphasised that restricting social media use for children under 16 will encourage them to become more productive, interactive, and responsible, particularly within the family environment.

BKKBN Head for South Kalimantan, Farah Adibah, in Banjarmasin on Tuesday, stated that the policy under Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Operators in Child Protection (PP Tunas) will not only reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour.

“It will also strengthen children’s interactions with their families and shape a healthier family character and identity,” she said.

According to her, children with limited social media access tend to be more active in productive school and community activities, including arts, sports, and social services.

“This will also enhance children’s leadership, empathy, and problem-solving abilities,” she added.

Furthermore, social media restrictions make children more communicative with family members, fostering healthy social interactions at home.

Consequently, she said, their interest in positive activities will increase, while strengthening the family’s role in supporting child development.

However, Farah reminded that achieving this requires coordination and synergy across institutions with other stakeholders and the community to ensure children receive consistent guidance at home, school, and in society.

“Through these steps, the younger generation is expected to be more directed in utilising their time, interacting with their surroundings, and building healthy and productive characters,” stated Farah Adibah.