S.Korean nominee to seek social media curbs for teens

South Korea social media
Social media curbs to protect young people "is an important and key goal", Kim Jong-cheol said. -AP

The nominee to head ‍South Korea's broadcast and media commission would pursue imposing restrictions on social media use for ⁠teenagers, saying it is a priority as a means to protect young people.

Kim Jong-cheol said during a hearing on his nomination that it was a ‌key part ​of the commission's mission to ensure ‍the public can "engage in communication in a safe and free environment and in an orderly manner".

When asked if the government would consider introducing restrictions on social media ​use for young people ‌such as the measures implemented in Australia, Kim responded: "I believe we have ​to, of course."

"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," ​he said on Tuesday.

Australia in December became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, and other countries are considering similar age-based measures as concerns grow over the effects of social media on young people's health and ‍safety.