A high school student poses with her handphone showing her social media applications in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 28, 2024. Australia approved on Nov 28, 2024, a social media ban for children aged under 16 after an emotive debate that gripped the nation, setting a benchmark for jurisdictions around the world with one of the toughest regulations targeting Big Tech. - Photo: Reuters
JAKARTA: The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is urging the government to regulate social media use for children, following the example of neighbouring countries like Australia.
“Regarding social media restrictions due to their impact, and as our neighbouring countries have already set limits, like Australia, where the age limit is 16 years, the MUI expects the government to issue regulations soon, whether they follow the same model as Australia or not,” MUI Information and Communication Division head Masduki Baidlowi said on Thursday (Dec 19), as quoted by Antara news agency.
The Australian Senate passed a law in November banning anyone under 16 from using popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit and X.
Masduki clarified that while the MUI had yet to decide on a specific age for social media restrictions, it believes the government must conduct further outreach to address disparities in digital communication literacy across different communities.
This set of skills should be fostered not only in urban areas but also in rural regions.
"Furthermore, related to digital culture, [we should strive] to make Indonesia’s good cultural traits also stand out in our digital communication," he said.
House of Representatives member Puti Guntur Soekarno also mentioned that the government and other relevant parties must conduct an in-depth study before implementing a social media ban for children.
"If we are to follow Australia’s model, it cannot be done hastily, it must be thoroughly studied," Puti said in Jakarta on Dec 5, as quoted by Antara.
Puti, a politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), acknowledged that every policy has both advantages and challenges, including restrictions on social media or limiting children's gadget use.
“It is necessary to regulate how gadgets are used by children to ensure they are not left behind in terms of technology and information, while also making sure they don’t overuse them," she said. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
