President Lee calls for detailed, swift discussions on possible restrictions on teens' social media use

[Financial News] President Lee instructed officials to discuss the matter carefully and swiftly in connection with plans to restrict adolescents' use of social media (SNS).
At the State Council meeting he chaired at Cheong Wa Dae that day, President Lee told Kim Jong-cheol, chair of the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, “How far have discussions progressed now? I think we talked about this once before.”
Referring to related discussions abroad, President Lee said, “Restrictions on younger users’ social media use are currently being debated in Europe, Australia, Canada and elsewhere. Many places have legislated on the issue, and I hear France enacted legislation but then had it ruled unconstitutional.”
Chair Kim replied, “Given past experiences in which the game shutdown system was introduced hastily and failed, the most important thing is that we face the task of carefully developing tailored, step-by-step response measures on the basis of building broad social consensus. We are working toward completing the process in the first half of next year after public deliberations.”
President Lee added, “According to opinion polls, it seems that close to 80% say there is a need to restrict this [teenagers’ social media use]. In any case, the harm seems to be greater than we think.”
Chair Kim explained, “There is consensus on the restrictions themselves, but discussions are underway at the stage of building consensus on what level and extent of restrictions to impose, and by what means.”
[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter