Implementation of Social Media Restrictions for Children Requires Parental and School Oversight

Jakarta, Kompas.com - Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, has stated that the effectiveness of social media restrictions for children requires oversight from both parents and schools.

“The success of this policy depends on cross-sectoral cooperation. The government, digital platforms, schools, and parents must work together to ensure child protection in digital spaces is truly realised,” Dave said when contacted on Monday, 9 March 2026.

According to Dave, schools also need to strengthen digital literacy for students, whilst parents have an important role in monitoring children’s social media use. Additionally, digital platform companies are expected to ensure that age verification mechanisms function effectively.

Commission I of the House of Representatives, continued Dave, will continue to oversee the implementation of this policy so that child protection in digital spaces does not remain merely a discussion point but is executed effectively.

According to this Golkar Party politician, this step demonstrates the government’s seriousness in creating a safer digital environment in an increasingly complex technological era.

“The main objective of this regulation is to protect children from exposure to content inappropriate for their psychological development. This step is commendable,” Dave said.

He explained that the regulation actually already has a legal foundation through Articles 40 and 41 of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE).

Under these provisions, the government is stated to have a clear basis for conducting oversight and enforcing compliance with digital platform companies.

This provides legal certainty for the implementation of the regulation.

“With strong legal grounds through UU ITE, this regulation is not merely administrative in nature but also has clear legitimacy to ensure compliance by digital platform companies,” Dave added.

The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, has issued new policy regarding social media use for children under 16 years of age.