This is the Secret to Keeping Children Happy Without Social Media, According to Experts

Public policy expert from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) Purwokerto, Tobirin, assesses that the policy of restricting social media for children must be balanced with the provision of child-friendly facilities to ensure its effective implementation, particularly in regional areas.

“This policy is positive, as it relates to the Child Protection Law and its derivatives, including Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025, commonly known as PP Tunas, to protect children from violence, sexual violence, and negative influences such as pornography,” Tobirin said when contacted in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, on Sunday.

According to him, the policy that has begun to be implemented demonstrates the government’s seriousness in protecting children in the digital space, in line with the global trend towards restricting social media use for children.

Nevertheless, the doctor in public administration science warns that the main challenge of this policy lies in its implementation at the regional level.

The high dependence of children on gadgets and the still limited digital literacy in society are factors that need serious attention.

He stated that the success of public policy is largely determined by two main aspects: bureaucratic structure and effective communication.

From the bureaucratic structure side, he said, local governments need to involve various stakeholders, such as the Education Office, schools, and families.

The role of teachers from primary to secondary school levels is considered important in providing understanding of digital literacy, media safety (digital safety), and wise and responsible social media use.

In addition, policy communication must also be carried out massively down to the grassroots level.

He assessed that socialisation should not stop at the central level but must reach the wider community through media, educational institutions, and family environments.