Government Calls for Parental Responsibility as Child Gadget Tantrums Spark Debate Over New Restrictions
Indonesia’s government policy restricting social media access for children under 16 years has begun eliciting varied reactions in society. Recently, a viral video showed a child experiencing a tantrum due to restricted gadget use.
The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) addressed the phenomenon, arguing that strict government regulations cannot function smoothly without mental preparation and education for parents.
“I recently received a video—I don’t know if it’s authentic or created—but showing a child having a tantrum because their gadget use is restricted, unable to access games they previously played. This means parents must be ready. We need to educate parents,” said Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, Deputy Coordinator for Family Quality Enhancement and Population Affairs, at the Kemenko PMK office on Wednesday (11 March 2026).
Woro viewed the emergence of tantrums in children as evidence of “digital literacy stumbling blocks” at the family level. She noted that many parents have historically used gadgets as an instant solution when children become fussy.
“Previously, when a child cried, parents would lazily give them a gadget. Now we must educate parents to provide child-rearing that is not solely gadget-based. We return to the pre-gadget era and learn how to optimise quality time without distractions,” she explained.
Kemenko PMK plans to collaborate with PKK, the Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to conduct mass socialisation for parents, including through guardian meetings at schools. The aim is to minimise gadget usage among children.
Beyond education, Woro highlighted the issue of exemplary conduct. She reminded parents to avoid double standards—prohibiting children from using mobile phones whilst constantly staring at screens themselves.
“If we only tell our children not to use gadgets but we ourselves continue using them, that is not setting an example. Setting an example is crucial. Education for children will not succeed without educating those around them, from parents to educators,” she stressed.
For context, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) recently issued implementing regulations under Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 concerning the Governance of Electronic System Operators in Child Protection (PP Tunas).
Communications Minister Meutya Hafid announced that the government will delay account access for children under 16 years on high-risk digital platforms. These platforms include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), and Bigo Live.
“Today we have issued a ministerial regulation as an implementing rule of PP Tunas. Through this regulation, the government delays account access for children under 16 years on high-risk digital platforms, including social media and networking services,” Meutya stated.
Implementation of the policy will commence on 28 March 2026. Komdigi indicated that account deactivation will be conducted in phases until all platforms comply with the regulatory obligations.