Southeast Sulawesi Communication and Informatics Office prepares derivative regulations for social media age restrictions

Kendari (ANTARA) - The Southeast Sulawesi Communication and Informatics Office (Diskominfo Sultra) is currently studying the preparation of derivative regulations at the regional level to strengthen the implementation of the national policy on the minimum age restriction of 16 years for social media users.

Acting Head of Diskominfo Sultra, Andi Syahrir, stated when met in Kendari on Monday that the restriction is a follow-up to the Minister of Communication and Informatics Regulation that has been enforced nationally since 28 March 2026.

“This restriction is under the central government’s domain, but we at the regional level will follow it up in the form of derivative regulations so that its implementation in Southeast Sulawesi can run more effectively and measurably,” said Andi Syahrir.

He explained that this new regulation explicitly prohibits children under the age of 16 from having or using social media accounts. This step is taken by the government to protect children from the negative impacts of the digital space and to maintain the security of their personal data.

However, Andi Syahrir also emphasised that no matter how strong the policy is, it will not run optimally without full support from the family environment.

“The role of parents at home is very crucial. Most of children’s time is spent with parents, so direct control in supervising gadget use becomes the main key to the rule’s compliance,” he said.

Andi Syahrir hopes that with the synergy between regional regulations and parental supervision, the compliance rate with social media age restrictions can increase, while creating a healthier digital ecosystem for the young generation in Southeast Sulawesi.