The Importance of Restricting Social Media for Children's Development

Proportionate restrictions on social media and internet access are considered to have a significant positive impact on children’s mental and emotional development. This was stated by psychology expert from Paramadina University, Tia Rahmania, M.Psi., Psychologist.

Tia explained that appropriate restrictions, not total bans, can reduce the risk of overstimulation from instant content, social anxiety due to frequent self-comparisons (social comparison), and exposure to dangers such as cyberbullying and grooming.

“This will increase emotional stability and self-regulation abilities. Psychologically, children become more grounded, meaning a stable emotional condition with good self-awareness,” she explained in Palangka Raya on Saturday (28/3).

With stable emotions, children will not be easily influenced by external stimuli, including seeking validation on social media.

In addition, reducing screen time also contributes to better sleep quality and a decrease in the risk of gadget addiction (screen dependency).

According to Tia, children who are not excessively exposed to social media tend to have more stable and objective self-esteem. Other positive impacts also affect cognitive aspects, namely focus and learning abilities.

“Furthermore, these restrictions also greatly influence focus, creativity, and learning abilities,” said Tia.

She added that social media often forms patterns of short attention span or short concentration span due to habituation to instant stimulation.

With access restrictions, children’s brains can return to deep thinking patterns (deep focus mode) that sharpen imagination and problem-solving abilities.

As a preventive step, parents are encouraged to divert children’s attention to physical and creative activities, such as sports, traditional games, reading, and playing music. Direct social interactions and environmental exploration are also highly recommended.

“The activities mentioned will activate fine and gross motor skills in children, which also means stimulating social and cognitive brain functions in a balanced way,” she explained.

Finally, the presence of Government Regulation (PP) Number 17 of 2025 on the Protection and Governance of Electronic Systems in Child Protection (PP Tunas) is expected to serve as an optimal legal umbrella in protecting and supporting the development of Indonesian children in the digital era.