Kapuas DPRD Supports Restriction on Children's Access to Social Media

Kuala Kapuas (ANTARA) - The Deputy Chairman II of the Kapuas Regency DPRD in Central Kalimantan, Berinto, supports the government’s step through the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) in restricting social media access for children under 16 years old.

“This policy is a strategic measure to protect the younger generation from various negative impacts resulting from uncontrolled social media use,” said Berinto in Kuala Kapuas on Saturday.

According to him, children and adolescents are vulnerable groups to the influence of digital content, both psychologically and socially. Exposure to age-inappropriate information, such as violence, pornography, and hoaxes, can affect their thought patterns and behaviour.

Additionally, excessive social media use also has the potential to cause addiction, lower academic performance, and disrupt mental health.

“We assess that restricting access does not mean prohibiting children from getting to know technology, but rather providing healthy and directed boundaries,” he said.

With this regulation, it is hoped that children can use technology more wisely under the supervision of parents and educators.

The role of families and schools remains the primary key in guiding children to filter information and utilise the internet positively.

“The DPRD also encourages the government not to stop at restrictions but to also provide comprehensive digital education,” stated Berinto.

He said that digital literacy is very important so that children have the critical ability to filter information and understand the risks in the virtual world.

In addition, this people’s representative, who was re-elected from the Kapuas III electoral district, invites all elements of society, including parents, teachers, and other stakeholders, to jointly support this policy. Good collaboration will create a safe and healthy digital environment for children.

“With this restriction, it is hoped that Indonesia’s younger generation can grow into intelligent, characterful individuals, ready to face challenges in the digital era without excessive exposure to negative impacts,” Berinto concluded.