The Role Of Parents And The Role Of The State In Maintaining Child Security In Cyberspace

Illustration of children and the internet (photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The 2020 National Economic Survey (SUSENAS) conducted by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) revealed that 25.8 percent of internet users are children.

But unfortunately, we have to accept the fact that based on Child Online Safety Index report, Indonesia ranks 26th out of 30 countries for the problem of low child safety in the digital world.

Data from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) also revealed that during the 2016-2020 period, there were 3,178 cases of pornography and cyber crime targeting children in Indonesia.

Reports also state that there are several threats faced by children in the digital world, including malicious sites, malware or viruses, online fraud, and sexual predators.

In this context, the role of parents is very important in protecting children in the digital world. This was confirmed by Nurul Arifin, a member of Commission I DPR RI from the Golkar Party faction.

The lack of understanding of parents about technological developments is one of the factors that makes children vulnerable to these various threats. Therefore, increasing digital literacy for parents is something that needs to be prioritized," said Nurul in a statement received in Jakarta.

According to the Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party's Kominfo field, parents can make several efforts to increase their understanding of their child's digital behavior.

For example, placing a computer in a place that can be monitored, checking the browser history regularly, using additional security devices, activating privacy features, knowing the device password and child social media.

"In addition, pay attention to changes in children's behavior which indicate the possibility of cyberbullying or contact with sexual predators online. As well as making rules that can be applied to children in interacting in the digital world," added Nurul.

Then, make sure the child doesn't share their personal data such as name, address, and phone number, doesn't upload photos on public sites, doesn't chat with unknown people, doesn't open emails or messages from unknown people.

"It can also report inappropriate messages to parents. And limit the use of the internet," explained this member of the DPR RI from the West Java 1 electoral district.

However, it must be realized when children get older, monitoring their behavior in the digital world becomes more difficult. Children start to own their own devices and need privacy in their online activities.

"Parents need to provide understanding to their children about the sites they access, open dialogue about the benefits and potential dangers that exist on digital platforms," he concluded.

In addition to the role of parents, the state also plays a role in protecting children in the digital world. Law No. 27 of 2022 concerning Protection of Personal Data (UU PDP) guarantees the safety of children on digital platforms.

The law states that children's data is categorized as specific data and that the processing of children's personal data must be carried out specifically with the approval of their parents or guardians, in accordance with Article 4 paragraph (2) and Article 25 of the PDP Law.

Nurul admitted that the regulation regarding children's personal data in the PDP Law was still minimalist. The law has not explicitly regulated how a special implementation mechanism must be carried out.

In an effort to protect children in the digital world, there needs to be collaboration between parents, the government, and providers of digital platforms. Parents need to increase their own digital literacy in order to assist children in using gadgets and the internet in a positive and safe way.

"The government needs to strengthen regulations and legal protection that are more comprehensive regarding child safety in the digital world, including clearly regulating the special implementation mechanisms mentioned in the PDP Law," said Nurul.

"Meanwhile, digital platform providers must adopt and implement high standards of protection to maintain the privacy and security of children," he added.

With the synergy between parents, the government, and providers of digital platforms, it is hoped that a safe digital environment can be created and support the positive development of children.