Indonesia's communications minister says the government plans to set a minimum age for social media users and is studying other measures. This move follows Australia's decision to restrict children's online access.

Indonesian Communications and Digital Minister Meutya announced the plan on Monday after discussing it with President Prabowo Subianto.

She said, "We'll first make a regulation against underage social media use, while preparing stronger child protection measures which will need to involve the parliament."

She added that the government will continue to discuss the details.

Some people have given a thumbs-up to the government's efforts.

A mother of three in Jakarta said, "Social media companies have always been given freedom, and there are good effects but also more negative outcomes for children who consume content they aren't supposed to consume."

Indonesia's Internet Service Provider's Association says nearly 50 percent of children under 12 have online access.

In November, Australian lawmakers passed a bill banning the use of social media by children under 16, to protect minors from psychological harm.