Indonesia Bans Social Media for Under-16s

0:00On March 28, Indonesia has started enforcing a new rule banning kids under 16 from signing up on major social media sites like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others. This makes it the first country in Southeast Asia to take such a step against risks like pornography, bullying, scams, and addiction. The government approved the regulation earlier this month and plans a gradual rollout. This follows Australia's world-first ban on social media for young teens last year, as families push back against big tech companies. Officials say high-risk platforms were picked based on easy access to strangers, predators, and harmful content. Getting all-size-to-deactivate under-age accounts and reported won't be simple, but they are committed to protecting children. Parents mostly welcome the change, saying it fights phone addiction that disrupts family time like meals. One mom noted kids often tantrum without devices, while her daughter plans to play offline games or hang out with friends instead. Kids worry about missing fun, but many see upsides in real-life play.

1:04Experts from child safety groups point out social media can harm mental health, causing anxiety and depression, though it also offers learning if. Guided right. They urge parents and schools to make the real-world exciting without door activities in supervision during the adjustment period. Officials are responding slowly, with X already listing 16 as the minimum age under Indonesian law and YouTube pledging to work with officials on safety measures. As more countries like those in Europe eye similar restrictions, Indonesia's effort highlights a global shift towards safer digital lives for the young. This has been Global News Today, powered by AI.