Researcher: Implementation of PP Tunas Must Be Accompanied by Mental Health Services

The government must provide a supportive ecosystem and referrals for psychological counselling for children whose mental health is disrupted. Jakarta (ANTARA) - Social researcher at The Indonesia Institute (TII), Made Natasya Restu Dewi Pratiwi, assesses that the implementation of Government Regulation (PP) Tunas must be accompanied by the provision of mental health services for children to anticipate the psychological impacts of restricting social media access. “If children experience anxiety after losing social media access, the government is obliged to provide a supportive ecosystem and referrals for psychological counselling for children whose mental health is disrupted,” Natasya stated when contacted in Jakarta on Monday. She further explained that restricting social media access for children under 16 years old, which is part of the mandate of Government Regulation Number 17 of 2025 on the Protection and Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas), indeed has the potential to reduce exposure to various risks in the digital space, such as cyberbullying, sexual violence, pornographic content, fraud, and digital addiction. Nevertheless, according to her, the policy cannot stand alone and must be accompanied by a comprehensive approach to avoid creating new impacts. Natasya then conveyed that this comprehensive step encompasses several main aspects, namely strengthening digital literacy for children, parents, and teachers so that technology use is safer and more responsible, as well as active support from families and the surrounding environment. Next, she also highlighted the importance of clarity in the implementation mechanism for all parties, including digital platforms, schools, and the government, accompanied by transparency in reporting platform compliance with the rules. She views the provision of a supportive ecosystem as the key to optimising the implementation of PP Tunas to protect children and even enhance the morals and ethics of the younger generation. This supportive ecosystem, she said, is not only in the form of mental health services but also healthy social interaction spaces and learning access that still supports child development. Natasya also reminded that social media has important functions as a space for learning, expression, and building social connections, so access restrictions need to be carried out carefully to not hinder the fulfilment of children’s rights. Thus, Natasya emphasised that the success of PP Tunas depends on the synergy of various parties, from the government, digital platforms, schools, to families, in providing comprehensive protection while supporting child growth and development in the digital era.