Some countries prohibit children from playing social media, including Indonesia?

Social media has become an integral part of daily life, but many countries are starting to consider its negative impact on children. Some countries have taken strong steps to ban or restrict children's access to social media platforms. Here are a few countries that have implemented such bans, along with the reasons behind these decisions.

1. China

China is known for its strict regulations on social media. The government has limited children's access to platforms like WeChat and Weibo and has imposed regulations on online gaming. Children under the age of 18 are only allowed to play online games for three hours per week. This ban aims to reduce digital addiction and protect children from inappropriate content.

2. Afghanistan

After the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan imposed strict bans on social media, especially for children and teenagers. The government views social media as a threat to cultural and moral values. Through these restrictions, they hope to prevent the spread of information considered harmful.

3. Germany

Germany does not completely ban social media use among children but has strict laws regarding privacy and child protection. Children under 16 are required to obtain parental consent to use platforms like Facebook. These regulations aim to protect children from risks such as fraud and exploitation online.

4. Russia

Russia has implemented several regulations concerning internet and social media use. Although there is no total official ban, children under 14 must obtain parental permission before registering on social media platforms. Additionally, the government closely monitors the content accessed by children to ensure they are not exposed to harmful information.

5. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia also has strict policies regarding social media use among children. While there is no formal ban, the government encourages parents to monitor their children's online activities. With increasing concerns about the impact of social media on children's behavior, the government seeks to raise awareness of the potential risks they may face.

6. Australia

Australia has introduced various initiatives to protect children from the negative effects of social media. While there is no total ban, the government has issued guidelines encouraging social media platforms to set age restrictions and enhance privacy protections. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government will run an age verification trial before introducing a minimum age law for social media this year. Albanese did not mention the age limit, but said it was likely to be between 14 and 16 years old. Australia is also active in awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of cyberbullying and privacy violations among children, urging parents to be involved in their children's online activities.
 

Reasons Behind the Bans

Several key reasons behind these bans or restrictions include:

• Digital Addiction: Many children experience addiction to gadgets and social media, which can disrupt their social and academic development.
• Negative Content: Children are vulnerable to harmful content, such as cyberbullying, pornography, and extremist propaganda.
• Privacy and Security: There are concerns that children do not fully understand the risks of sharing personal information online.