The Hidden Impact of Social Media on Indonesian Children’s Mental Health

DiYES International School – Indonesia has been facing a rising concern regarding children’s mental health, with social media being identified as a significant contributing factor. The Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, recently highlighted the alarming mental health disorders experienced by many children in Indonesia, particularly anxiety and depression, as a result of excessive social media use. This has prompted discussions and efforts toward finding solutions, especially within the framework of child protection in the digital age.

Growing Concerns About Mental Health Disorders in Children

Budi Gunadi Sadikin shared the concerning facts about mental health disorders affecting Indonesian children, pointing out that the two main disorders are anxiety and depression. These conditions have become increasingly prevalent, and social media usage is believed to play a crucial role in exacerbating them. “We have observed that anxiety and depression disorders are widespread among children nowadays,” Budi said during a press conference about the formation of a child protection working group.

Children exposed to the overwhelming amount of content on social media may experience emotional and psychological stress. The effects range from bullying and online harassment to pressure from unrealistic body image standards or harmful behavior. Such exposure, particularly when unregulated, can seriously impact the mental well-being of children. Social media platforms, while offering entertainment and communication tools, also harbor negative aspects, which contribute to mental health issues.

“Read about: New Insights on Children’s Vaccination: What You Need to Know”

The Strain on Children’s Social and Verbal Development

In addition to mental health challenges, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has identified another concerning issue — the delayed development of children’s verbal and psychomotor skills, which also results from excessive time spent on gadgets. Many children today exhibit delayed speech development, which has led to a higher demand for speech therapy. Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained, “When we screen children for speech delays, we find that they spend too much time looking at gadgets instead of engaging in social play with their friends.”

The trend of children spending more time on digital devices and social media platforms rather than participating in physical activities or face-to-face social interactions has become a growing concern. In today’s society, it’s not uncommon for children to be more immersed in the virtual world than engaging in traditional outdoor play, which is crucial for their social and cognitive development.

The Government’s Role in Child Protection in the Digital Era

To address these emerging issues, the Indonesian government has been actively working toward regulating social media usage among children. The Health Ministry, along with the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemenpppa), are collaborating to establish policies and guidelines that will protect children in the digital space.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed these ministries to prioritize child protection and the regulation of digital media. This initiative aims to safeguard children from the dangers of social media, such as exposure to pornography, online gambling, bullying, and sexual violence. “Indonesia is currently ranked as the fourth largest country in terms of child pornography content,” said Meutya Hafid, the Minister of Communication and Digital, during the press conference. “This doesn’t even touch on online gambling targeting children or the various forms of sexual violence children may face online,” she added.

“Read more: Making Your Child Happy? Try These Simple Tips”

A Joint Effort to Mitigate Digital Risks for Children

The alarming increase in the number of children struggling with mental health issues due to social media calls for urgent action. The Indonesian government has acknowledged that without proper safeguards, children will continue to face exposure to these harmful digital environments. As part of their commitment to creating a safer digital space for children, the government is drafting regulations to curb the negative impacts of social media and shield children from digital threats.

The joint efforts from the Health Ministry, the Ministry of Communication, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant bodies reflect Indonesia’s dedication to addressing the urgent need for child protection in the digital era, particularly focusing on children’s mental health.