Abstract
This study examines the effect of internet access on the child marriage prevalence in Indonesia, utilizing data from the March 2021 National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas). We employ a bivariate probit model with an instrumental variable (IV) to account for potential endogeneity, using the quality of internet signal at the regency/city level as the IV. The results indicate that internet access by the household head significantly reduces the likelihood of child marriage, highlighting the crucial role of informed decision-making within households. However, internet access by the child alone does not show a significant impact, suggesting that a conducive family environment must support digital connectivity to delay marriage effectively. These findings underscore the importance of expanding digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, as a strategy to combat child marriage, while also addressing broader socio-economic and cultural factors. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital access and social outcomes, providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders engaged in efforts to reduce child marriage in Indonesia.
