Indonesia will ban social media accounts for children under 16, officials announced Friday. The move aims to protect young users online.

First, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid signed the new government regulation. As a result, children under 16 cannot hold accounts on high-risk platforms.

These platforms include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), Bigo Live, and Roblox.

However, the rule will not begin all at once. Instead, the rollout starts on March 28.

After that, platforms must gradually meet new compliance rules. Eventually, all companies must follow the regulation.

Meanwhile, officials say the policy responds to growing online dangers.

According to Hafid, children now face serious digital threats. For example, they encounter pornography, cyberbullying, and online scams.

In addition, addiction to social media has become a major concern.

Therefore, the government believes stronger protections are necessary.

“The government is here so parents do not fight these risks alone,” Hafid said.

Furthermore, she called the situation a “digital emergency.” Because of that, leaders want to reclaim control over children’s online futures.

Still, the minister admitted the change may cause challenges.

For instance, some children may complain about losing access. Likewise, parents may struggle to respond at first.

Even so, many families in Jakarta welcomed the decision.

Parents say children often spend too much time online. Moreover, many worry about harmful or misleading content.

One parent said social media offers both helpful and dangerous material.

Therefore, stronger limits may help families guide young users better.

At the same time, some residents want even stricter action.

For example, several parents urged the government to block pornography sites and online gambling platforms.

Earlier this week, regulators also inspected the Jakarta office of Meta Platforms.

Officials raised concerns about harmful content on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Authorities warned the company about low compliance with national digital rules.

So far, neither TikTok nor Meta Platforms has responded publicly to questions.

Importantly, Indonesia will become the first country in Southeast Asia to restrict children’s social media access.

However, other nations are moving in the same direction.

For example, Australia introduced similar restrictions in December 2025. Companies there removed about 4.7 million child accounts.

Likewise, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom are considering new rules.

Overall, global concern continues to grow.

As a result, more governments may soon limit how young people use social media.