Children in North Kalimantan view digital platform restrictions as having positive impact

Tanjung Selor, North Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Several children in North Kalimantan province view the government’s restrictions on social media or digital platforms as having a positive impact on children under 16 years old and as beneficial.

“I think this is a positive and important step, because children under 16 cannot yet filter the information they see,” said Meisya Dzahrotussita via short message on Saturday.

She assessed that the implementation of Government Regulation (PP) No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP TUNAS) and Minister of Communication and Digital (Permenkomdigi) No. 9 of 2026 as its derivative implementing regulation would certainly be very beneficial for children throughout Indonesia.

“We children can focus more on studying. Then in the environment, we can also be closer to family, and the benefits are great for children’s future to be more critical and responsible,” said the Chair of the Regional Children’s Forum (FAD) of Bulungan Regency, who attends Tanjung Selor State Senior High School (SMAN) I.

The same sentiment was expressed by Karenina Athaya Putri Setiawan, a ninth-grade student at the Bulungan State Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTsN). She views the restriction as positive and beneficial for children under 16.

“The benefit received by children under 16 is learning that everything has limits. Of course, it also limits us from being affected by perpetrators of crimes in the digital space,” she said via short message.

“Therefore, one of the positive benefits now is that we must become individuals who socialise frequently with the surrounding community,” she added.

“This policy also plays a big role for the nation’s successors, because there is no need to worry about receiving bad treatment in the digital space at a young age,” she continued.

Separately, Nabila Maulidya, Chair of the Regional Children’s Forum (FAD) of Malinau Regency, emphasised that the restriction has great benefits for children.

“From an individual perspective, children are better protected from inappropriate content for children (ILA), addiction risks, as well as social pressure and self-comparison on social media, so their mental health is better maintained,” said the ninth-grade student at Malinau State Senior High School I.

From an environmental perspective, she continued, children have more opportunities to interact directly with their surroundings. In the future, this will also help shape a healthier generation ready to face the real world.

Febriana, Chair of the Provincial Children’s Forum (FAD) of North Kalimantan, revealed that the benefits of social media restrictions can be felt if implemented correctly.

“Children are better protected and have space to develop without digital pressure,” she said.

Furthermore, said Febriana, who is currently studying accounting at Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, the environment becomes healthier because real interactions increase.

From the children’s forum perspective, she sees that children cannot be separated from technology, but in her view, it can still be directed. Therefore, what she and her friends do is not to prohibit, but to redirect, and not to limit, but to open spaces.

“We encourage children to participate in activities that make them feel involved and have a role in social and environmental issues. Because we believe that if children feel needed and have a purpose, they will naturally reduce their dependence on social media,” she stated.