Komdigi Invites Children To Discuss The Rules For Restricting The Use Of Social Media

Stafsus Menkomdigi Raline Shah (photo: Komdigi)

JAKARTA - Without neglecting children's rights to get information from the internet, the Ministry of Communication and Digital continues to discuss with various parties to design regulations on age restrictions on the use of social media in Indonesia.

To that end, the Special Staff of the Minister for Global Partnership and Digital Education, Raline Shah held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with children from various schools to improve the regulation.

'Children are not just users, they are the main stakeholders. They feel firsthand the good and bad effects of the digital world. If we want regulations that really protect, we have to hear them," he said on Tuesday, February 18 in Jakarta.

There, children also share stories about how easily they are exposed to negative content, social pressure on digital media, and the lack of awareness of parents in accompanying them while surfing online.

This regulation is also expected to be a step forward for Indonesia in creating a more secure digital ecosystem for children.

However, regulation alone is not enough. Raline also highlighted the importance of the role of families in shaping healthy digital habits.

"We can make any strict rules, but if at home the children don't get a good example, everything will be useless. Parents must be present, not only physically, but also in the digital world of their children," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Meutya Hafid also emphasized that the Ministry of Komdigi is still working on the draft regulation. It is hoped that it can be published soon.

He emphasized that the regulations that are being finalized will regulate the responsibility of Electronic System Operators (PSE) in ensuring the safety of children in the digital world.

"Once again, we don't want to impose sanctions on their children, or on their parents," said the Minister of Trade.