Muslimat NU backs restriction on social media access for children under 16

Surabaya (ANTARA) – The Central Leadership Council (PP) of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) supports the policy of the Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs to restrict social media access for children under 16 nationwide through Ministerial Regulation Number 9 of 2026. ‘We extend our gratitude to the Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs. Because she has issued a decision that from 26 March, children under 16 are prohibited from accessing social media,’ said Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Chairperson of the PP Muslimat NU’s Supervisory Board, in a statement received in Surabaya on Sunday. Khofifah regards the policy as an important step to protect children from the various negative impacts of excessive use of social media. According to her, unmonitored gadget use has the potential to cause addiction that can affect mental health and the development of children. She also stressed that not all parents can monitor their children’s digital activities continuously. Therefore, the policy restricting social media access for under-16s is seen as part of a collective effort to safeguard the growth of the younger generation. Meanwhile, Khofifah, while attending the Nuzulul Qur’an commemorations and the closing of the Ramadan Child Pesantren of PP Muslimat NU in Jakarta, on Saturday (7/3), asserted that Muslimat NU has a strategic role as a pillar of the Nahdliyin women’s movement in instilling the values of Islam Rahmatan lil Alamin in society. She noted that the presence of Muslimat NU across villages and even in various countries demonstrates the vast contribution of the organisation to strengthening religious life and society. ‘Hopefully all of this becomes our charitable deeds and perpetual charity. That there is an organisation named Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama whose members are everywhere, in remote villages, in the mountains, even in Germany, Egypt, Japan, and various other countries,’ she continued. Khofifah further emphasised that the role of Muslimat NU is not only to contribute to the nation but also to bring the values of Islam that promote peace, compassion, and blessings for all mankind. Meanwhile, Arifah Fauzi, Chair of the Central Muslimat NU Administration and also serving as Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), expressed appreciation for Khofifah’s ideas and dedication in various programmes empowering women and children. ‘Usually we see Ramadan Pesantren activities for children, but this is Khofifah’s idea, which we then conveyed to the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, and supported by six ministries and the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK),’ she said.