Medan, Indonesia – As Laila Lubis embraces the joys and challenges of motherhood with her 18-month-old daughter, she is already contemplating the impact of technology on her child’s future. Lubis, a humanitarian worker from Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra, has made a firm decision: she will not allow her daughter to use a mobile phone until she is much older.
"I will never give a mobile phone to my child," Lubis stated in an interview with Al Jazeera. She plans to delay any exposure to smartphones, possibly considering homeschooling for kindergarten around the age of six, which would necessitate some internet access.
This sentiment is shared by many parents across Indonesia as the government prepares to implement a minimum age requirement for social media use. The initiative, introduced by Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid, aims to enhance child protection policies in a nation of approximately 280 million people. While a specific age limit has yet to be announced, officials emphasize the urgency of regulating social media to shield minors from potential dangers.
Indonesia’s move follows Australia’s groundbreaking legislation that recently banned access to social media for individuals under 16. Under this law, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram could face hefty fines if they fail to enforce the age restrictions.
In anticipation of its own regulations, Indonesia plans to establish interim guidelines for child protection on social media while drafting comprehensive legislation. Lubis views this discussion as a positive step towards safeguarding children online. "I believe that there are more negatives rather than positives for children using social media and the internet, especially very young children," she expressed.
The proposed ban is part of a broader effort by the Indonesian government to hold technology companies accountable. In recent months, authorities have taken various actions against major tech firms, including banning the sale of Apple’s iPhone 16 and Google’s Pixel for non-compliance with local sourcing regulations. Additionally, the government previously threatened to block major platforms like Google and Facebook unless they registered with the Ministry of Communication.
Experts highlight that enforcing an age limit on social media will shift the responsibility of compliance to tech companies, which could lead to challenges regarding user privacy. Gatra Priyandita, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, noted that implementing age verification could require sensitive personal data, raising concerns about potential breaches and misuse.
Despite the potential benefits of social media, some experts argue that it can also pose significant risks to young users. Adi Sarwono, a social worker involved in literacy programs for underprivileged children, acknowledged both the positive and negative impacts of social media. He emphasized the need for careful monitoring of children’s online activities rather than outright bans, suggesting that technology should be utilized wisely.
As discussions around social media regulation intensify, the Indonesian government faces the challenge of balancing child safety with the realities of a digital world where connectivity is ubiquitous. With nearly 139 million Indonesians using social media, the implications of these policies could affect a significant portion of the population, particularly the younger generation.