South Korean National Assembly hosts forum on youth SNS regulation

A forum was held at the National Assembly of South Korea to discuss methods for regulating social media (SNS) use and protecting youth. The event, co-hosted by several lawmakers and supported by the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education and 11 other regional education offices, drew approximately 450 to 500 participants, including teachers, students, and parents.

Discussions focused on the impact of smartphones and social media on adolescent sleep and mental health. Experts and lawmakers examined international legislative trends regarding age-based protection standards and how to apply such models in South Korea.

An Min-seok, Superintendent of the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, emphasized the need for social consensus and legislative action, noting that many developed nations have already implemented such laws. The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education is promoting its ‘Phone Free School’ initiative, which aims to move beyond simple prohibition by encouraging students to engage in reading, arts, and sports (RAS) during time away from devices. The office plans to expand its pilot program of ‘Phone Free’ practice schools from the initial 100 locations to 300.