Parliamentary Member Urges Schools to Synchronise Social Media Restriction Rules for Children

Jakarta — A member of the Indonesian Parliament’s Commission X, Abdul Fikri Faqih, has called for schools to synchronise their policies with the government’s new social media restrictions for children.

He argues that this synchronisation is essential so that the education system can serve as a frontline institution in national digital literacy efforts.

Fikri stressed that key preparations for this synchronisation include developing the mental resilience and competence of educators.

Fikri outlined three main points for schools to synchronise with the social media restriction rules for children.

First, teachers responsible for digital literacy must receive intensive training in digital safety to guide students in distinguishing between positive and negative content.

Second, the role of school counsellors must be expanded to address digital conflict resolution simulations and cyberbullying.

“Third, we need to transform students’ mindsets, changing them from passive consumers of algorithmic content into ethical and productive content creators,” Fikri said.

“Now the government is stepping in so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the power of algorithms,” he added.

Earlier, the government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital announced a new policy regarding social media use for children under the age of 16.

The regulation is set out in the Ministry of Communication and Digital Regulation Number 9 Year 2026, which is derived from Government Regulation Number 17 Year 2025 on the Governance of Electronic System Implementation 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.