South Korea’s nominee to head the country’s broadcast and media commission has said restricting social media use by teenagers would be a priority if he is confirmed, reflecting growing global concern over the impact of online platforms on young people.
Kim Jong-cheol made the remarks on Tuesday during a parliamentary hearing on his nomination, signalling a potential shift toward stricter regulation of digital platforms.
Proposed Curbs on Teen Social Media Use
Kim told lawmakers that a central mission of the media commission is to ensure the public can communicate in a “safe and free environment” that is also orderly. When asked whether South Korea would consider age-based restrictions similar to those recently adopted in Australia, Kim said such measures would be necessary.
He stressed that protecting young people from the harms associated with social media was a key goal and said he intended to pursue that objective if appointed.
Global Context
Australia earlier this month became the first country to ban social media access for children under 16. The move has intensified debate worldwide, with several governments examining whether age limits or tighter controls are needed as evidence mounts about the effects of social media on teenagers’ mental health, safety and development.
What Comes Next
Kim’s comments suggest South Korea could move toward tougher oversight of social media platforms, particularly those popular with young users. Any formal restrictions would likely require further legislative action and face scrutiny from tech companies, parents and civil liberties groups as the debate over youth protection and online freedom continues.
With information from Reuters.
