Governor: Ban on under-16s owning social media to safeguard the nation’s youth

Padang City, West Sumatra – West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi said the policy of the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) banning children under the age of 16 from having social media accounts (medsos) is intended to shield the nation’s generation from negative influences in the digital space.

‘The West Sumatra Provincial Government expresses its support for the central government’s policy that restricts access to social media for children under 16,’ Mahyeldi said in Padang on Saturday.

Mahyeldi described the social media access restrictions as part of a joint effort to ensure the future of the younger generation grows with strong character, is virtuous, and focused on pursuing education.

‘We must not let things that can damage children’s futures be left to chance. This must be managed together, by parents, schools, and the community,’ the governor said.

The former Padang mayor explained that the restriction policy is regulated in Minister of Communications and Digital Regulation No. 9 of 2026, which is derived from Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, concerning the Governance of the Administration of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP TUNAS).

Mahyeldi added that protective measures for children from the negative effects of technology are also being implemented in schools, including a policy that bans students from bringing mobile phones into classrooms.

‘Now in our schools we are also beginning to regulate the use of mobile phones to help children focus more on learning,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Izul, 33, a resident of Padang, said the central government’s ban on under-16s using social media is very appropriate as it protects children from potential threats in the digital space.

‘As a parent, I strongly support Komdigi’s policy banning children from using social media. It is very important in a time when many children are more concerned with devices than their surroundings,’ the father of one added.