[Inside Chodong] Time for a 'Korean-Style Generation Protection Law'

Australia has become the first country in the world to legally mandate a ban on children and adolescents accessing social networking services (SNS). This so-called “Generation Protection Act” is intended to shield the Alpha Generation (those born after 2010) from the “algorithmic hell” that begins the moment they create an SNS account after getting their first smartphone.

Ten days into enforcement, expectations remain high despite criticism that the measure is excessive. Even as local reports indicate a rise in the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions or switching to other social media platforms not covered by the law, the world is watching Australia’s experiment closely.

There is an abundance of analysis showing that SNS has negative effects on teenagers, including decreased self-esteem, worsening body image, and increased suicidal impulses. In Korea, incidents such as stabbings between students after arguments on SNS, illegal gambling, and violence against parents have become a reality. Statistics show that out of 1,187 cases of child and adolescent sexual exploitation last year, 960 occurred through chat applications and SNS.

Given that Korea’s smartphone penetration rate is among the highest in the world across all age groups, we are already lagging behind. Being absorbed in our titles as an AI powerhouse and the world’s top digital infrastructure country has led us to neglect building step-by-step safety nets.

I cannot agree with regulations as strict as a “shutdown.” It would be unrealistic for us to adopt Australia’s approach of imposing fines of up to 48 billion won on SNS platforms that fail to block accounts for users under 16. While parents might welcome such measures, it is more desirable to design protective mechanisms rather than outright bans, considering that children will seek out unregulated spaces.

The direction we should take is outlined in the recent report published by the Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI), “Discussion on Restrictions on Youth Use of Smartphones and Social Media and Educational Implications.” It argues that, before regulating smartphone use, we must provide education so that teenagers can independently and responsibly utilize digital information.

Although this may sound like a declarative statement, the priority should be to cultivate teenagers’ ability to recognize and assess risks in digital environments on their own. If necessary, curricula should include courses to develop information discernment, online ethics, and self-control. Teachers must also be able to guide students in adopting new approaches to digital information.

We must also discuss measures such as strengthening age verification on each platform to restrict sign-ups, requiring parental consent, adjusting algorithms to minimize exposure to minors, restricting nighttime access, and implementing automatic break systems. While these may appear to target SNS platforms, this is no longer an issue that can be left solely to individuals, families, or schools.

For the generations following Alpha, revising relevant laws is an urgent task. The “Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc.” currently only contains vague language stating that “information and communications service providers should strive to ensure that information provided to children does not contain inappropriate content.”

Despite being unprepared, the National Assembly is amending the “Elementary and Secondary Education Act” to restrict the use of digital devices, including smartphones, during class starting in March next year. The responsibility for implementing the standards and methods for these restrictions has been conveniently delegated to each school, allowing them to set their own rules through school regulations.

Under the current system, it is clear that this will escalate into issues of student rights and generational conflict. We must clarify the responsibilities of platforms, and create a framework where law, education, and technical safeguards are intertwined to prevent pushing teenagers into the shadows. Although belated, it is time for families, schools, businesses, and the government to work together to prepare a “Korean-style Generation Protection Act.”