South Korea’s media watchdog is contemplating imposing restrictions on social media use for children under 14 due to concerns about excessive usage. The chairman of the Korea Media and Communications Commission, Kim Jong-cheol, mentioned plans to prevent young children from creating social media accounts and to limit exposure to content that could promote overuse among teenagers aged 14 to 19. Kim highlighted that similar legislation proposals are being discussed in the National Assembly, with around seven related bills under consideration.
The chairman acknowledged the need for caution in addressing this issue, citing the example of the Shutdown Law implemented in 2011, which restricted minors under 16 from accessing online games during certain hours. Despite the decade-old law being repealed in January 2022 due to concerns about infringing on rights and impacting the gaming industry negatively, the media watchdog is now proposing new measures to regulate children’s access to social media platforms. This initiative aligns with global trends, as other countries like the European Union and Australia have also introduced or are planning similar restrictions.
In a recent move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media access for children under 16, emphasizing the negative impact of social media on children’s well-being and safety. Starmer highlighted concerns about children becoming addicted to social media, leading to issues such as disrupted sleep, reduced family time, and mental health challenges. The government’s decision to implement this ban reflects a commitment to creating a safer and healthier online environment for young individuals, with regulations expected to be in place by Spring 2027.
