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INFOPAJAJARAN.COM - World Children's Day, observed annually on November 20th, serves as a poignant reminder that children are not merely future generations but legal subjects endowed with fundamental rights. These rights encompass the entitlement to life, education, play, growth, protection, and the freedom to express themselves.
These rights are enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), adopted by the United Nations in 1989. However, the realities of 2025 diverge significantly from those of three decades past, presenting new and complex challenges to child welfare.
The Digital Age and Shifting Arenas of Growth
The advent of the digital age has precipitated a paradigm shift in the arenas where children develop. No longer confined to the physical realms of home, school, and community, children now navigate a digital landscape characterized by interconnectedness and pervasive pressures.
Children engage in social networks from an early age, leaving extensive digital footprints and encountering both opportunities and potential hazards. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in seven adolescents globally experiences mental health challenges.
Emerging Risks and the Imperative of Digital Literacy
UNICEF's 2023 findings highlight the potential adverse effects of social media on children's mental well-being, including cyberbullying, fear of missing out (FOMO), and the pressure to cultivate an idealized self-image. In Indonesia, there is a growing trend of online gender-based violence.
The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) reported complaints involving pornography, online sexual harassment, and digital bullying targeting children in 2022. This is further compounded by the comparatively low digital literacy levels among parents and educators, in contrast to the swift technological adaptation of children.
Proactive Measures and Collaborative Strategies
The incident at SMA Negeri 72 Jakarta in 2025 underscored the urgent need for proactive measures and vigilance. Although not representative of all schools, it highlighted the potential for adolescents to experience distress and access harmful online content without adequate supervision.
This incident underscores the critical role of early detection systems, collaborative efforts between families, schools, and communities, and the need to cultivate an environment that fosters child protection. These efforts should address bullying, provide safe spaces for expression, and promote digital literacy.
Universities as Catalysts for Change and Innovation
International frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, along with national laws like Indonesia's Child Protection Act, provide a legal foundation for safeguarding children. However, inconsistent implementation, particularly in schools and communities, remains a challenge.
Universities like Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) can play a pivotal role in bolstering child protection through initiatives such as digital literacy programs, mental health services, and the creation of platforms for youth advocacy. Furthermore, institutions can train youth facilitators and conduct interdisciplinary research to enhance understanding of child-related issues.
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