The nominee to lead South Korea’s broadcast and media commission told lawmakers on Tuesday that placing limits on teenagers’ use of social media would be a major policy priority if he is confirmed, according to Reuters. Speaking during a parliamentary hearing, Kim Jong-cheol said safeguarding young people online should be central to the regulator’s role as digital platforms continue to expand their influence on daily life.

Kim said the commission has a responsibility to make sure the public can “engage in communication in a safe and free environment and in an orderly manner,” per Reuters. When questioned by legislators about whether South Korea should consider age-based restrictions similar to those recently adopted in Australia, Kim responded: “I believe we have to, of course.”

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He added that youth protection would guide his approach to the job if approved, saying, “I believe protecting young people in that aspect is an important and key goal and I intend to pursue the job with that in mind,” according to Reuters. His comments signal a willingness by the incoming leadership to explore tougher oversight of online platforms as concerns mount over the impact of social media on minors.

The discussion comes amid growing international debate over how to regulate social media use by children and teenagers. Australia earlier this month became the first country to ban access to social media for children under the age of 16, and several other governments are weighing similar measures as worries increase about mental health, online safety, and digital addiction among young users, according to Reuters.

Source: Reuters