Commission X Chair Supports Social Media Restrictions for Children: Effort to Protect Young Generation

Jakarta — The Chair of Commission X at the House of Representatives, Hetifah Sjaifudian, has endorsed regulations restricting social media access for children under 16 years old, as outlined in the Communications and Digital Ministry Regulation (Permenkomdigi) Number 9 of 2026.

According to her, these restrictions are part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the digital space becomes a safe environment for children to learn and develop.

“The digital space should be a place for our children to learn and grow, not a space that endangers their safety and mental health. Therefore, the government’s step through this Communications and Digital Ministry Regulation deserves our support as an effort to protect the younger generation,” Hetifah stated in a written statement on Monday, 9 March 2026.

She noted that the advancement of technology is inevitably accompanied by the rapid growth of social media, which must be followed by protective policies.

“Protecting children in the digital space is not sufficient through regulation alone. We also need to strengthen digital literacy in schools so that students can use technology wisely, safely, and responsibly,” Hetifah said.

The restriction policy requires collaboration from the government, schools, parents, and social media platforms themselves.

“Digital transformation must proceed alongside the protection of children. We want technology to be a tool for learning and creativity for students, whilst also ensuring they grow in a safe digital environment,” Hetifah added.

The regulation is outlined in the Communications and Digital Ministry Regulation Number 9 of 2026, which derives from Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Management of Electronic System Implementation in Child Protection.

In the initial phase, eight platforms have had their access restricted for children: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.