Indonesia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16 Starting March 28

Indonesia bans social media for children under 16, aiming to protect minors from online dangers. The announcement came from the Indonesian Minister for Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, on March 6.

The new policy will start on March 28, affecting platforms like X (Twitter), YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and others. Accounts belonging to children under 16 will be deactivated.

Minister Hafid explained that the decision was taken to shield children from online bullying, inappropriate content, fraud, and social media addiction. She stressed that children are increasingly vulnerable to risks on digital platforms.

While Indonesia follows Australia, which banned social media for children under 16 in late 2025, other countries are also considering similar restrictions. The Indonesian government has not yet provided detailed guidelines on how the ban will be enforced.

This move highlights growing global concern over children’s exposure to online content and emphasizes the importance of digital safety measures. Parents are advised to monitor their children’s online activity and guide them about safe internet use.