Seeking sustainable solutions

VHO - Amidst the global debate about restricting teenagers' use of social media, South Korea has chosen a cautious approach. Instead of taking drastic measures like Australia or Spain, Seoul is observing, listening, and carefully considering lessons learned from the past.

International pressure is mounting as many governments express growing concerns about social media addiction, mental health issues, cyberbullying, and children's early exposure to sexual or violent content.

Australia's decision to become the first country to ban children under 16 from using popular social media platforms last December has had a ripple effect, prompting many European and Asian countries to consider similar measures.

South Korea argues that a comprehensive ban is not just a legal issue but also involves social, cultural, and technological factors. An official from the Communications and Information Commission stated that there is no “specific roadmap” yet because broad consensus is needed; the bill restricting users under 16 remains stalled due to the increasingly blurred lines between platforms and the ease with which age falsification is possible.

South Korea's caution stems from past lessons. In 2011, the country implemented a "shutdown law" prohibiting teenagers from playing online games at night, but the regulation was repealed after a decade due to privacy violations, harm to the gaming industry, and ineffectiveness. This has made policymakers more cautious about imposing harsh measures.

While the government is still deliberating, social media has become an integral part of young people's lives. A 2025 survey by the Korea Press Foundation showed that over 70% of teenagers use social media, with about half using it daily. Many see it as a "window to the world " to keep up with trends and connect with friends, although they admit it's difficult to control their screen time.

Instead of prohibition, many children want significant investment in digital skills education and media literacy through practical, age-appropriate classes.

In this context, South Korea's cautious approach may not be a sign of slowness, but rather an effort to find more sustainable solutions that both protect teenagers from the negative aspects of social media and equip them with the ability to protect themselves in an increasingly complex digital world.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-gioi/tim-kiem-giai-phap-ben-vung-207948.html