Indonesia bans social media use for children under 16-year of age

2026-03-09 - 10:33

JAKARTA – Indonesia on Monday announced a ban on social media use for children under 16 years of age, joining a growing global effort to protect minors from online risks. Indonesia’s Minister for Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid made the announcement. She said the ban will come into effect from March 28. Platforms affected include X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads and other high-risk social media networks, which will begin deactivating accounts belonging to users under the age of 16. Minister Hafid explained that children are increasingly exposed to online dangers such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online fraud, and social media addiction. She emphasized that the move is aimed at safeguarding children and promoting safe and responsible use of digital platforms. Australia became the first country to implement a similar ban at the end of 2025, restricting social media access for users under 16. Indonesia’s decision follows growing concerns globally about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and online safety. While the government has announced the upcoming restrictions, detailed guidelines regarding the enforcement of the ban and the verification process for age compliance have not yet been released. The officials have also urged parents to remain vigilant and educate their children about responsible internet use to minimize online risks. The move is part of a broader international trend, with several countries now considering measures to limit or regulate children’s access to social media to protect them from harmful content and ensure safer online experiences. The regulation is likely to have a major impact on social media platforms in Indonesia, requiring them to adopt stricter age-verification systems and enhance measures to safeguard young users. Sri Lanka protesters defy curfew after social media ban