♦ Indonesia has become the first country in South-East Asia to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, as governments around the world move to protect young people from online harm. The measure came into force on 28 March 2026, with children set to be blocked from creating accounts on platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox, all of which the Indonesian government has classified as high risk.

♦ The ban covers around 70 million children, who make up roughly a quarter of Indonesia's 280 million population. Enforcement and account deactivation are expected to be rolled out gradually.

♦ The government has said it will impose fines on platforms that fail to comply and has not ruled out a nationwide ban on those that refuse.

♦ The move follows growing concern about the impact of social media on children's mental health, exposure to online pornography, cyberbullying and internet addiction. Several platforms issued statements pledging to adhere to the new rules.