KATHMANDU: Indonesia has banned children from using social media. As governments around the world take steps to protect young people from online harm, Indonesia has also prohibited children under 16 from using social media platforms.

With this move, Indonesia becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to impose a ban on social media. The government has banned children from creating accounts on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, with the ban taking effect starting Sunday.

The Indonesian government has classified these social media platforms as high risk. The ban affects approximately 70 million children, who make up about one-fourth of Indonesia’s 280 million population. Enforcement and account deactivations are expected to be implemented gradually.