Ministry of Communications Asked to Conduct Extensive Campaign on Social Media Restrictions for Children
Jakarta — A member of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Oleh Soleh, has urged the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) to conduct extensive public outreach regarding regulations restricting social media access for children.
This public campaign is necessary to ensure that implementation of Ministry of Communications and Digital Regulation Number 9 of 2026 is understood by parents, schools, and social media platforms alike.
“The campaign must be conducted extensively. Komdigi needs to work with various agencies, including relevant ministries, educational institutions, and civil society organisations so that this regulation is genuinely understood and implemented effectively,” said Soleh on Monday (9 March 2026).
“The government must immediately prepare implementation guidelines and technical instructions to ensure clarity and prevent confusion,” Soleh added.
Under Regulation 9/2026, eight social media platforms are restricted for children: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.
“This restriction is entirely appropriate. Children under 16 years of age should not have social media accounts. I have consistently advocated for this as part of efforts to protect children from the negative impacts of the digital world,” said Soleh.
Children’s time should be devoted to learning and personal development without distraction from social media, according to Soleh. “Children under 16 must focus on learning and developing their skills. Their educational processes and development should not be disrupted by social media usage that is inappropriate for their age,” he said.
The regulation is contained in Ministry of Communications and Digital Regulation Number 9 of 2026, which derives from Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Management of Electronic Systems in Child Protection.
In the initial phase, eight platforms have had their access restricted for children: YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox.