Parents Support Restrictions on Children's Social Media, But Admit It's Not as Simple as the Rules
The government’s policy to restrict children’s digital access through Government Regulation (PP) Number 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP TUNAS) has elicited mixed responses from parents. They generally support the protection efforts but assess that its implementation is not as straightforward as the rules on paper.
Anugrahanto (32), from Yogyakarta, views the policy as well-intentioned, but believes the primary role of parents remains key. “The intention is good to protect children, but it’s not that simple. I basically agree, but the parents’ role is more important to avoid oversharing about their children,” he said when contacted by Republika on Monday (30/3/2026).
Teddy, a resident of Bogor, expressed a similar sentiment. He claims to have already implemented internet access restrictions for his children, even before the government introduced the regulation. “Even without that rule, as a parent, I am still obliged to monitor what my children access,” he said.
Teddy limits internet use to holidays only, with a specific duration. He also encourages children to access the internet for educational needs through parents’ or school accounts. “If the children access the internet more for playing. I limit that too,” he said.
He expressed concern about the current condition of children, who he believes are easily exposed to inappropriate content. “The simplest is profanity. Nowadays, children, including those of junior high school age, are widely exposed through the internet,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mila (36), a resident of Solo, admits to facing greater challenges in controlling her child’s gadget use. She even describes her child as starting to become addicted. “My child might be addicted; I’m looking for ways to reduce gadget handling,” she said.
According to Mila, children today are very attached to gadgets, even taking them to the bathroom. Nevertheless, she still supports restrictions on social media for children. “I totally agree so it’s controlled. Because now children are too attached to gadgets,” she revealed.
She also sees the positive side of the internet, such as creative content that her child likes, like craft and drawing tutorials. However, she acknowledges that use for playing games is still hard to control. Even, her child often refuses when gadget usage time is limited.
As is known, the government has emphasised its seriousness in implementing PP TUNAS. The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, stated there is no compromise for digital platforms in complying with the regulation.
“There is no compromise on compliance. Every business entity operating in Indonesia must comply with applicable laws,” Meutya said through a written statement in Jakarta on Friday (27/03/2026).
The government has requested eight digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox to submit compliance commitments. Several platforms are said to be starting to cooperate, although the government continues to monitor their implementation.
With this policy, the government hopes to create a safer digital space for children. However, parents’ voices indicate that regulation alone is not enough without the active role of families in daily supervision.