EduAsiaNews, Yogyakarta – Restricting Social Media Use for Children Under 16 Sparks Varied Reactions
Restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16 have drawn mixed responses from various circles. M. Arif Rizqi, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), stated that the policy needs to be thoroughly examined, particularly regarding its background and intended objectives. According to him, before implementation, the government must ensure that the rationale is clear and based on children’s developmental needs.
“Currently, I have not seen whether this policy is substantively based on observed negative impacts or certain underlying conditions. Therefore, we need to first understand the background of this policy, rather than focusing solely on its outcomes,” Arif told UMY Public Relations on Tuesday (March 31) at UMY.
He explained that social media and online game usage fundamentally depends on the individual. For children up to 16 years old, emotional development and decision-making abilities are not yet fully stable. However, Arif stressed that this condition cannot be generalized to all children.
“At the developmental stage up to age 16, individuals tend to be less stable in making decisions. However, there are children at this age who are already capable of managing social media and games without developing dependency. Therefore, regulations may be implemented, but what is more important is guidance, education, and the role of parents and the surrounding environment,” he explained.
Need for Alternative Solutions
Arif emphasized that age restrictions cannot stand alone without alternative solutions. He warned that overly strict limitations could frustrate children if not accompanied by positive substitute activities.
He further stated that restricting social media is not the only solution to protect children from the negative impacts of digital technology. Such policies should be part of a collaborative approach.
Arif also highlighted the essential role of parents in guiding children’s social media use. Parents act as both facilitators and supervisors, providing boundaries wisely.
“Parents serve as facilitators because most access to devices and the internet comes from them. However, facilitation should be accompanied by guidance. Parents can set rules together with their children, communicate openly, and supervise without being like a 24-hour CCTV. With proper guidance, social media can become a tool for building positive character,” Arif emphasized.
Collaboration Across Stakeholders
He recommended that social media restriction policies be developed through collaboration among psychologists, educators, families, and children themselves. A participatory approach, he noted, would make policies more effective and prevent them from becoming a “time bomb” in the future.
“The regulatory process should involve multiple parties, from researchers, education experts, and psychologists to families and the children themselves. By incorporating diverse perspectives, policies will not stem from a single viewpoint. This makes rules more realistic, easier to implement, and better able to meet the needs of children in the digital era,” he concluded.
