Japan nears decision on social media age limits

Detailed summary

Social media is widely used by people of all ages, but concerns have been growing over its impact on children. As debate over whether to restrict access by introducing age limits…

Social media is widely used by people of all ages, but concerns have been growing over its impact on children. As debate over whether to restrict access by introducing age limits in Japan enters its final stage, some are urging caution, saying social media serves as an important source of emotional support for many young people.

As more children use social media, Japan's Children and Families Agency has set up an expert panel to consider measures to better protect them. At a meeting on November 10, it presented its guidelines on how parents should be involved in children's social media use, outlining approaches tailored to each stage of a child's development from birth to age 18.For example, the guidelines say children aged 0 to 2 should avoid prolonged screen time and prioritize direct play-based experiences. For ages 6 to 9, it suggests parents share rules on communication and in-app purchases with their children, while gradually increasing opportunities for them to make their own choices.

Subsequently, the meeting progressed to the discussion on whether age restrictions should be introduced for social media use. Based on these talks, the agency intends to compile its policy within the year and submit an amendment bill to the ordinary session of the Diet next year.

One of the biggest reasons why regulating children's social media use is being debated is the growing number of cases of children becoming entangled in crimes and other trouble.According to the National Police Agency, more than 1,500 children fell victim to sexual crimes and other offenses triggered by social media last year. In addition, cyberbullying utilizing social media and other platforms reached a record high, with over 27,300 cases in fiscal year 2024, according to a compilation by the education ministry.

At a clinic in Nagoya, central Japan, which specializes in psychosomatic medicine and child psychiatry, consultations about children's smartphone use, including social media and gaming, have been…

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