Recent data shows that social media use in Indonesia has become part of everyday life. More than 229 million Indonesians are connected to the internet, and nearly half of them are children and teenagers under 16. Many of them spend hours each day scrolling through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, often without proper supervision.
This situation has raised concerns and sparked discussions about whether access to social media should be limited or even restricted for children under 16 as a way to protect them from digital risks.
I believe that completely banning social media for children under 16 is not the best solution. What they really need is guidance, supervision, and reasonable limits.
With proper support, children can still use social media in positive ways—such as learning new skills, expressing creativity, and connecting with others—without missing out on opportunities to grow in today’s digital world.
Furthermore, social media can expose children to content that is not always suitable for their age. Nowadays, it is common to see children spending hours watching videos on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. As a result, many of them imitate trends created by adults, including dances, fashion styles, and behaviors they see online.
Since children are naturally curious and tend to copy what they watch, they may follow these trends without fully understanding whether they are appropriate or not. Therefore, parents should pay attention to the content their children consume, use parental controls when necessary, and set reasonable limits on screen time.
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Another concern is that some children imitate adult dance trends while wearing clothing or performing movements that are more appropriate for older audiences. This can influence the way children think, behave, and view themselves at an age when they are still developing their identity.
To prevent this, parents, schools, and the government should work together to improve digital literacy and teach children how to use social media wisely. Social media platforms should also strengthen age restrictions and content filters to ensure children are exposed to safer and more age-appropriate content.
With proper guidance and supervision, children can enjoy the benefits of social media without being negatively influenced by harmful trends.
Of course, some people argue that a complete ban is the best way to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and addiction.
While these concerns are valid, we also need to consider that strict prohibition might make children more curious and lead them to use social media secretly. Instead of banning it entirely, a balanced approach with proper guidance and control seems more effective.
In conclusion, the issue is not simply about allowing or banning social media, but about how we can protect children in the right way. Limiting and supervising their use is more realistic than a total ban, as it still allows them to learn and grow without being overly exposed to risks.
Therefore, parents, schools, and the government should work together to provide better digital education and clear guidelines. Rather than just restricting access, we should help children become responsible and mindful users of social media in today’s digital era.
Writer: Fani Istiyani
Student of D4 Akuntansi Sektor Publik Universitas Harkat Negeri (UHN)
Part of Bendahara Hima Prodi Akuntansi Sektor Publik
Lecturer: Mohammad Sofyan
Editor: Ika Ayuni Lestari
Bahasa: Rahmat Al Kafi
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