West Java Intensifies Campaign to Schools on Social Media Restrictions for Minors

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - The West Java Provincial Administration is set to ramp up socialization efforts regarding the restriction of social media use for children under the age of 16. This campaign will specifically target schools, focusing on newly enrolled high school students.

West Java Regional Secretary, Herman Suryatman, remarked that this policy adheres to regulations formulated by the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry, with regional administration serving as the executive arm for implementation.

"The restriction of social media use for children under 16 is being implemented gradually. We hope these measures can serve as a firm guideline for the youth," he said on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Herman further encouraged educators to take an active role in enforcing the policy within the school environment. Similarly, parents are expected to proactively monitor their children's digital activities.

"What we truly rely on is the role of schools through teachers and the involvement of parents. The Minister mentioned coordinating with various platform providers to ensure they adopt proactive policies as well," added Herman.

Through this regulation, Herman hopes children can be shielded from the negative impacts prevalent on social media. The West Java Provincial Administration fully supports the move, noting that the policy was developed through rigorous research rather than abrupt decision-making.

"This is based on research, it isn't just a sudden policy. It has been studied for quite some time, and many other countries have already implemented it. We began effective enforcement on March 28, 2026," he concluded.

The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry previously established the age limit for social media users at 16 years. The Communication and Digital Affairs Minister, Meutya Hafid, conveyed that the policy is being rolled out in phases starting from late March.

“In the initial stage of implementation, accounts identified as belonging to users under the age of 16 will be deactivated across several digital platforms,” she explained.

Minister Meutya added that the policy applies to high-risk platforms, particularly social media and networking services. These include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Threads, Instagram, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA