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.
Expert panel mulls measures
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. For ages 13 to 15, it emphasizes the approach of respecting children’s autonomy and privacy, while reducing direct management, as well as shifting the focus toward advice and consultation.
The Children and Families Agency’s expert panel meets on November 10.
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.
Behind the debate
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. Concerns are also growing regarding social media’s impact on children’s mental and physical well-being.Current social media designs, with features like “infinite scrolling” that endlessly displays videos and posts tailored to a user’s preferences, are often criticized for being highly addictive and making it easier for people to develop social media dependency. In Japan, the slang term “dopagaki,” short for “dopamine-addicted kids,” has emerged to describe children who cannot pull themselves away from social media and online videos, and who are constantly seeking stronger stimulation.
Young children seeking help at psychosomatic clinics surges
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 increasing. The clinic says it now sees about 300 people a month, more than three times the level before the COVID-19 pandemic.The consultations range from lifestyle habits, such as using smartphones late into the night and then being unable to wake up in the morning, as well as difficulties concentrating on studies, to serious cases, such as being nearly drawn into criminal part-time jobs through social media or becoming victims of sex crimes.The clinic says children are more likely than adults to become dependent on social media because their ability to control themselves is still developing.Niwa Ryohei, director of the clinic, says this problem has clearly been affecting younger children in recent years, with a growing number of elementary school students and even preschoolers experiencing difficulties.He says it is important not to dismiss the issue as solely the child’s problem, and recommends that parents discuss usage rules with the child, as well as increase face-to-face communication and real-world experiences for them.
Niwa Ryohei, director of the Meieki Sako Mental Clinic
Global push for social media age limits
Moves to impose age restrictions on children’s social media use are gaining momentum around the world.In Australia, a law banning social media use by children under the age of 16 took effect in December last year, becoming the first of its kind globally.It obliges targeted social media operators to take measures to prevent those under 16 from holding accounts, with fines imposed on these firms if they fail to uphold the ban.The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, proposed legislation to member states in September this year that would restrict social media use by children under the age of 15.Ahead of that proposal, Germany’s cabinet adopted a basic policy to prohibit social media use in principle for children under 13, while establishing phased usage restrictions based on age for those between 13 and 18.In Asia, Malaysia imposed restrictions on social media use by children under 16 in June this year, while South Korea is continuing to consider regulations.
Challenges emerge
However, concerns have also been raised about the effectiveness of such measures and how to balance them with freedom of expression.In Australia, a government survey conducted three months after the law took effect found that more than 40 percent of children under the age of 16 still held social media accounts and could continue to access the prohibited platforms.Regarding how they were able to have these accounts, about half of the respondents said social media operators had not requested age verification from them.
In France, a law was passed to ban social media use by children under the age of 15 in principle. However, in August this year, the French Constitutional Council issued a ruling that declared this measure unconstitutional.The council cited several reasons for its decision, including the fact that the law imposed a blanket ban without limiting it to specific functions or types of content. It said the measure placed a disproportionate restriction on freedom of expression and communication.
Social media as safety net
Some argue that restrictions should be approached with caution and that social media serves as an important source of support and connection for young people.At The Third Family, a certified nonprofit organization in Yokohama, near Tokyo, young people struggling with problems at home or at school connect online. Participants work together to discuss and think through concerns that are posted.Nearly 30 junior high and high school students took part in an online gathering on November 10. When a staff member asked about restrictions on social media use, some participants voiced support, posting comments such as, “It might be better not to use it while in elementary school.” However, many others expressed opposing views.Several said social media serves as a refuge not found in real life. Among the responses were: “Seeing other people’s posts on social media helped me realize I was being abused,” “I can consult about things I cannot discuss with people I know in real life,” and “Seeing others with similar worries makes me feel like I am not alone.”
Okumura Haruka is the head of The Third Family
Okumura Haruka, head of the organization, says social media can also serve as a safety net for young people. She adds that there is a great deal of information that can only be found through social media, and that children experiencing problems at home, including abuse, often have few opportunities to learn that their situation is not normal.Okumura notes that some come to realize this through social media. She adds that any discussion of restrictions should proceed cautiously and take into account the positive aspects of social media as well.
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