Building a Digital Fortress: Collaboration Between Parents and Schools Key to the Effectiveness of PP Tunas
The introduction of the Government Regulation on the Governance of Child Protection in the Digital Space (PP Tunas) brings a breath of fresh air to children’s cybersecurity in Indonesia. However, this regulation will not function optimally without the active role of parents and educational institutions in closing potential gaps in online dangers.
Professor of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Rose Mini Agoes Salim, M.Psi., Psychologist, asserts that although digital platforms are now required to limit access for children, manual supervision remains the frontline defence.
“PP Tunas is very helpful, but parents and schools must also be activated. If not, children will still find loopholes,” said Prof. Rose, quoted on Friday (20/3).
According to Prof. Rose, the effectiveness of PP Tunas greatly depends on improving parents’ digital literacy. Currently, many platforms provide parental control features, but not all parents understand how to operate them.
She emphasises that parents must understand technological developments to be able to accompany and monitor their children’s activities appropriately.
“If there is no supervision, children can find other ways. This must be anticipated,” she stressed.
In addition to technical aspects, character building becomes an important instrument in filtering the negative impacts of technology. Prof. Rose explains that instilling basic values such as honesty, discipline, empathy, self-control, and tolerance must begin from an early age.
“Characters like honesty and discipline come from morals. And morals must be taught, not just ordered. If children are not taught empathy and self-control from a young age, it will be difficult for them to distinguish between good and bad,” she added.
In line with this, the Chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Agency (LPAI), Seto Mulyadi, or familiarly known as Kak Seto, states that parental involvement is the greatest supporter of the success of this regulation.
“The regulation is already in place, but the biggest supporter is parents. Without their involvement, child protection will not be optimal,” said Kak Seto.
As a concrete step, Kak Seto suggests that parents build healthy two-way communication.
By creating an open discussion space, children will feel more understood in their needs, so they do not feel pressured in following the digital boundaries set at home.
The key to the success of gadget restriction rules is not only in prohibitions, but also in parents’ exemplary behaviour as role models.