Indonesia Bans Social Media for Under-16s. Australia Did This Too. The Experiment Begins.

What Happened

Indonesia announced it will ban children under 16 from accessing social media and other online platforms. This follows Australia's recent passage of similar legislation in November 2024, making Indonesia the second country to implement such broad age restrictions on social media use.

Historical Context

Australia passed the world's first national social media ban for under-16s in November 2024, with implementation starting in 2025. China has had time limits on gaming for minors since 2021 (3 hours per week), and several U.S. states have attempted similar legislation with mixed legal success. South Korea restricted online gaming for minors in 2011 but later relaxed rules. The effectiveness of such bans depends heavily on enforcement mechanisms and technical implementation - most rely on age verification systems that are easily circumvented.

What's In Your Control

If you're a parent: how you guide your own children's internet use, regardless of government rules. If you're in tech: how platforms in your sphere handle age verification. If you live elsewhere: whether you support similar policies in your country through civic engagement.

Does This Require Action?

Awareness only for most readers. Parents should consider their own family's approach to social media, as government bans rarely substitute for household rules and guidance.