Written by: Arya Tidar Wirabhumi and Joshua Nathan Sutedja
The Indonesian government plans to introduce age restrictions for children using social media to protect them from harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Other than external factors, there are also other aspects that are negative towards young users, such as addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, and even pressure to conform to idealized standards. With digital platforms playing a major role in daily life, children are increasingly vulnerable to inappropriate material and online threats. Authorities view age limits as a way to safeguard their mental health and overall well-being. This is a crucial issue with many dimensions, making it important to focus on a specific aspect to maintain clarity and depth in the discussion.
Currently, the Australian strategy also limits access to specific digital platforms according to age, which supports the notion that strict measures are required to reduce children's exposure to digital threats. This approach by Australia is to mitigate the potential harms of social media, such as cyberbullying, exposure to explicit content, and online predation, which could have long-term psychological effects on young users. The country has enacted the Cyberbullying and Online Safety Act, which mandates that social media platforms and internet service providers cooperate with authorities to remove harmful content and address online harassment. Furthermore, the Australian government has pushed for stronger regulations that compel platforms to better protect children’s privacy, including stricter rules on the collection and sharing of personal data.
Social media is a major part of how children connect, communicate, and express themselves. However, it also exposes them to harmful content, including violent, explicit, or misleading material. Young users are particularly susceptible to both the positive and negative aspects of these platforms, making it essential to explore the extent of social media’s risks. Governments worldwide are recognizing the urgency of protecting children in digital spaces by implementing age restrictions, because young people may be particularly vulnerable to social media’s charms as well as its harms. The most vulnerable aspect that may harm young users is its psychological effect, because exposure to harmful content can affect their self-esteem, mental health, and cognitive, which is essential in understanding the full scope of the issue.
Global cooperation is essential in addressing online threats such as cyber harassment, misinformation, and child exploitation. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) establishes a framework for protecting children’s rights, including their right to access information and be shielded from harm. In Article 34 by the CRC, states that "States Parties undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse..." which explains that the CRC ensures that information provided to children is appropriate and protects their well-being, especially keeping them away from cyberbullying and any other form of exploitation from social media.
Governments have a responsibility to protect children from online risks, but they must also uphold the right to free expression and access to information, as outlined in international agreements. Striking this balance requires well-calibrated regulations that consider parental roles, technological enforcement mechanisms, and alignment with global legal standards.
The Australian parliament has passed the world’s strictest law in the regulation of social media usage by children under the age of 16. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives after having gone through a vote in the Senate, wherein 34 votes to 19 were in favor of raising the age limit of social media platforms to the age of 16.. The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albonese, was quoted saying that the law was needed in order to protect the Australian youth from the dangers of social media. However, government officials have indeed recognized that the actual implementation of the law in reality might not function perfectly. Nevertheless, they are steadfast in it, having a positive impact and likening the law to the laws prohibiting underage minors from drinking alcohol. The law, which will not be effective for another 12 months, will include a penalty of A$50m ($32.5m; £25.7m) for companies who do not comply. Companies such as Google, Snap, and Meta have criticized the bill, saying that the bill itself is lacking in detail and as such would not be able to function according to its aim. A representative from TikTok was quoted saying that the definition of a social media platform was so broad and unclear that nearly all online services platforms could fall under the definition.
In November 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus the Resolution on the Rights of the Child in the digital environment. The Resolution was made for the purpose of furthering international law with respect to the protection of children in the digital age. It was made so that States parties would implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child in relation to the digital environment. Highlighting State’s responsibility to review their national legislation in accordance with their international human rights obligations. Following the Australian regulation, Indonesian Communications Minister Meutya Hafid has said that the government planned to issue a regulation to set a minimum age for social media users.
Conclusively, the global community is all in agreement that the regulation required to be able to protect children in the digital age must be enacted. Recognizing the dangers of social media on children and making the correct decisions in implementing protective legislation are steps that most nations have already begun taking. The Indonesian proposal to establish a minimum age requirement for social media users within their domestic law aligns with international efforts, such as those in Australia and the UN Resolution on the Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment, to safeguard children online. Navigating the complexities of the digital space and providing systems required to mitigate harm, states have shown the commitment to facilitate safer digital environments for children, in accordance with international legal standards and human rights obligations.
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