Indonesia Has Become The First Non-Western Country To Ban Social Media For Children Under 16

Indonesia has officially banned children under 16 from using social media, becoming the first non-Western country to enforce a nationwide age limit on major social media platforms.

The regulation requires tech companies to begin deactivating accounts belonging to underage users starting March 28.

Authorities said the move is aimed at addressing what the government has described as a growing “digital emergency” facing children.

“Our children are facing threats, ranging from pornography and cyberbullying to addiction,” Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said. “The government must step in so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the algorithm giants.”

Under the new rule, platforms identified as “high-risk” — including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox — will be required to remove accounts belonging to users under 16.

Earlier this year, the government also introduced a separate rule banning social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram from selling goods directly, allowing them only to promote products.

Indonesia’s move came after Australia became the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025, a move followed by Spain, France and Denmark.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Spain Said It Will Ban Social Media For Children Under 16 And Hold Platform CEOs Accountable For Hateful Content

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez said the new law is meant to address the growing harm social media poses to children.

AlmostFlavie Chen

France’s Parliament Has Approved A Bill To Ban Social Media For Children Under 15

Macron called the vote a “major step” to protect children and teenagers in a post on X, saying “we do not want an anxious generation but a generation that believes in France.”

AlmostIkran Dahir

Australia Has Officially Implemented The World’s First Ban On Social Media For Children Under 16

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the ban came into effect, banning and removing millions of accounts of children under 16 and preventing new ones from being created.

AlmostCherry Mohamed