IDAI emphasises physical activity for children amid social media restrictions
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has reminded of the importance of physical activity and direct interaction for children amid the implementation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas).
The Chair of the IDAI Central Board, Dr. dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A, Subsp Kardio(K), stated that restrictions on social media use for children must be balanced with real activities to support optimal growth and development.
“This period is the golden age of brain growth that requires two-way interaction and real sensory stimulation, which cannot be replaced by screens. Even older children are now experiencing various disorders due to excessive exposure to gadgets and social media,” said Piprim in an official IDAI press release on Saturday.
He emphasised that children in early ages, especially under two years, should not be exposed to gadgets as they are in a crucial period of brain development.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the IDAI Coordinating Unit for Growth and Development and Social Paediatrics, DR dr. Fitri Hartanto, Sp.A, Subsp TKPS(K), stressed that restricting access to social media is not the only solution in supporting children’s growth and development.
“Age restrictions are important, but supervision remains essential. This is not about replacing the role of parents with regulations, but how these regulations become a foundation that enables parents to carry out their role better. What we are safeguarding is not merely children’s access to gadgets, but their future,” she said.
IDAI also assesses that children need space to express themselves, engage in physical activities, and build direct social interactions as part of a healthy development process.
The PP Tunas policy will begin implementation on 28 March 2026 with the deactivation of accounts for children under 16 on several digital platforms, such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
Through the implementation of this policy, IDAI views the importance of maintaining a balance between the utilisation of technology and real activities so that children can grow optimally while supporting the realisation of Indonesia’s golden generation.