South Korea Considers Social Media Ban for Under-14s Amidst Digital Use Concerns

South Korea's Communications and Media Commission is contemplating new regulations to curb excessive social media use among its youth. The watchdog is reviewing a phased plan that could restrict children under 14 from creating accounts on social media platforms. For teenagers aged 14 to 19, the focus would be on limiting their exposure to platform designs and algorithms that might encourage prolonged engagement.

This potential policy shift comes as South Korea grapples with the global challenge of teenagers' and children's overreliance on digital platforms. The National Assembly is currently discussing at least seven related bills. The commission's chair, Kim Jong-cheol, highlighted the growing concern over this issue at the South Korean Presidential Office.

However, the government acknowledges the need for careful consideration, drawing lessons from the "Shutdown Law" enacted in 2011. This law, which prohibited minors under 16 from playing online games between midnight and 6 a.m., faced significant criticism for infringing on basic rights and negatively impacting the gaming and cultural industries. It was eventually repealed in January 2022, serving as a cautionary tale for current policy-making.

South Korea's review aligns with a broader international trend. The European Union has proposed similar regulations for children's social media access, and Australia has already become the first country to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts. The commission aims to balance child protection with the potential impact on digital industries and user rights.

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We are reviewing, in phases, a plan to restrict children under 14 years of age from creating accounts on social media platforms, and limiting exposure to designs and algorithms that could encourage excessive use of such platforms for teens aged 14 to 19.