Government Bans Gawai Use for Students Under 16 Years Old in Schools

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) officially issued a Circular Letter from the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education regarding restrictions on the use of gadgets for children under the age of 16 in the school environment.

This policy is part of the government's efforts to create a safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environment for children through the National Movement for Safe and Comfortable Space for Children (Gernas RANA).

Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti said that restrictions on the use of gadgets are one of the steps to build a school environment that is not only physically safe, but also able to support the overall development of learners.

"We have also issued a circular from the Ministry of Education and Culture regarding restrictions on the use of gadgets for those under the age of 16, which are all an integral part of our efforts to build a safe physical school environment," said Abdul Mu'ti in his statement, Tuesday, August 4.

According to Abdul Mu'ti, the concept of a safe school is not limited to physical security aspects, but also includes the creation of a learning space that allows children to express themselves, be creative, and develop optimally, both in terms of intellectual, spiritual, social, and digital abilities.

He explained that restrictions on the use of mobile devices are expected to help create a healthier educational ecosystem so that children do not rely on digital devices in their daily lives, especially while in the school environment.

As a follow-up to this policy, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education also issued the Regulation of the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Permendikdasmen) Number 6 of 2026 concerning the Culture of Safe and Comfortable Schools. This regulation is an implementation of the Government Regulation on the Governance of the Electronic System in Child Protection (PP Tunas).

Abdul Mu'ti emphasized that the implementation of a safe and comfortable school culture was carried out through a humanistic, inclusive, and participatory approach, so that every policy still prioritizes children's rights and the principles of education.

"So it is more of an approach that emphasizes educational and pedagogical principles," he said.

Through policies restricting the use of gadgets for children under 16 years of age and strengthening the culture of safe schools, the government hopes that students can learn in a healthier, protected, and conducive environment, as well as be able to use digital technology wisely, responsibly, and according to their age development stage.