Social Media Becomes Government’s Concern, Protecting Young Generation through PP on Child Restrictions
By: Doni Laksana)*
Social media has now become an inseparable part of everyday life. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook have brought about major changes in the way we interact, communicate, and obtain information. However, along with the growing use of social media, various challenges have also emerged, especially related to its impact on the younger generation. Digital addiction, exposure to negative content, and the risk of online violence (cyberbullying) are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately. Realizing the potential for these negative impacts, the government has begun taking concrete steps to protect children and adolescents by issuing a Government Regulation (PP) on Restrictions on the Use of Social Media for Children.
Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid, said that this regulation confirms the presence of the state in creating a safe, healthy, and child-friendly digital space. This government step also shows a very serious concern for the safety and mental health of the younger generation in the digital era. The restrictions imposed are not only about reducing the time spent on social media, but also ensuring that the content that can be accessed by children is appropriate for their age and does not harm their mental development.
The PP that regulates these restrictions also provides strict limitations on children’s access to certain platforms that have the potential to be high-risk. With this regulation, parents, educators, and the general public are expected to be able to more easily control and direct children’s use of social media. Age restrictions on social media accounts such as Instagram and TikTok, which were previously accessible without age restrictions, are now regulated more strictly. This aims to ensure that children and adolescents are not exposed to high-risk content, such as violence, pornography, and hate speech that can damage their mindset and behavior.
In addition, the government also introduced a digital literacy program that is very relevant to the existence of social media today. This digital literacy aims to provide an understanding to children and adolescents about how to use the internet and social media wisely. Through various educational activities, both in schools and through online platforms, the younger generation is given adequate knowledge about the potential dangers of cyberspace, such as online fraud, hoaxes, and the importance of maintaining personal privacy in the digital world.
Meanwhile, Psychology and Education Expert from the University of Indonesia (UI), Prof. Roes Mini Agoes Salim, said that his party appreciated the government’s efforts to pay attention to Indonesian children so that they are not exposed to the negative influence of social media through the issuance of PP on Child Restrictions. This government step is also in line with the commitment to create an inclusive and non-discriminatory digital environment. With regulations that limit children’s access to inappropriate content, it is hoped that it can reduce the risk of technology addiction, which is now increasingly attacking children and adolescents.
Social media, which should be a means to increase knowledge and broaden horizons, often becomes a place to worsen the mental health of its users. Many young people feel pressured to follow trends or gain recognition from others, which can lead to stress, depression, and anxiety. With these restrictions, it is hoped that an atmosphere can be created that is more supportive of children’s psychological and social development.
In addition, the restrictions imposed can also play a role in maintaining the relationship between parents and children. Parents are given a more active role in supervising and directing their children’s use of social media. The government provides guidance and training for parents so that they can be wiser in guiding their children to use social media in a healthy way. With collaboration between the government, society, and families, protection for the younger generation in cyberspace will be more optimal.
Not only that, the government is also working with technology companies to ensure that social media platforms can be more responsible in filtering content that can be accessed by children. Through this collaboration, it is hoped that there will be a tightening of content policies and protection of children’s personal data. This step is a form of shared responsibility between the government, digital platforms, and the community to create a safer cyberspace for the next generation of the nation.
Then through these stricter regulations, it is hoped that a digital ecosystem can be created that supports positive growth and development for Indonesia’s young generation. With this policy, the government has shown its concern for the future of children and adolescents, and emphasized its commitment to creating a healthier, safer, and more educational environment.
The issuance of the PP on Restrictions on the Use of Social Media for Children is a positive and strategic step taken by the government to protect the younger generation from the negative impacts of cyberspace. This step not only provides legal protection, but also provides education and awareness to all parties about the importance of using social media wisely and safely. With collaboration between the government, society, and families, we can create a young generation that is healthy, intelligent, and ready to face the challenges of the times.
)* The author is a Public Policy Observer
