JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – In an effort to address the growing concerns surrounding children’s safety in the digital space, Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has begun formulating new regulations aimed at protecting children from the potential harms of social media.

The ministry recently held a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) involving schoolchildren to understand the challenges they face while interacting with digital platforms. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure the digital environment is safer for younger users.

The FGD, which took place on February 18, 2025, at Komdigi’s Library in Jakarta, saw participation from 15 children from various educational levels, including elementary, middle, and high school. The discussion aimed to provide a platform for children to share their real-life experiences with digital technology, especially social media, and to highlight the issues they encounter regularly in these spaces.

Key challenges raised by the children included the easy access to harmful content, the pressure of social comparisons, and the general lack of guidance from parents when it comes to healthy digital practices. Many children expressed concerns about encountering inappropriate or violent content online, as well as the overwhelming pressure to fit in and meet unrealistic standards set by social media influencers.

Raline Shah, Special Staff to the Minister of Communication and Digital, emphasized the importance of understanding the children’s perspective. “Children are not just users; they are key stakeholders. If we want regulations that truly protect them, we need to listen to their voices,” said Raline during the discussion. This approach underscores the need for regulations that are informed by the experiences and needs of young users, rather than being solely based on adult perspectives.

Another critical issue discussed during the FGD was the impact of social media on children’s mental health. Many children reported experiencing anxiety, stress, and decreased self-esteem as a result of their exposure to harmful online content and the constant comparison to others. Experts and parents have long raised concerns about the psychological toll that excessive use of social media can have on young users, particularly in relation to body image, social acceptance, and overall emotional well-being.

Raline further stressed that regulations alone would not be enough to protect children in the digital space. She pointed out that family education plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children online. “We can put in place as many rules as we want, but if children do not receive proper guidance and positive examples from their parents, these regulations will have little impact,” she remarked.

As part of the FGD, Komdigi also involved the Public Policy Study Center (PSPK) to assist in analyzing the feedback and formulating the next steps. The goal is to refine existing digital protection regulations for children, ensuring that they address the real challenges faced by young users. The discussion results will be incorporated into the policy-making process to create an ecosystem that balances digital freedom with safety.

Komdigi is committed to advancing a digital environment that is both secure and supportive for children. The ministry hopes to have a robust policy framework in place soon that will not only regulate access to digital platforms but also foster a more positive, well-guided experience for children. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of building a safer and more responsible digital society for all. (Uki Ruknuddin)