South Korea has implemented a new policy restricting Instagram use for teenagers aged 14 to 18. This move aims to address concerns about excessive social media consumption and protect young users from potentially harmful content. The policy introduces a “Usage Restriction Mode” from 10 PM to 7 AM, blocking Instagram access during these hours, and sets a daily usage limit of one hour.
New Rules for Teen Instagram Accounts
The new rules include the following restrictions for teens:
- Nighttime Lockout: Instagram is inaccessible between 10 PM and 7 AM.
- Daily Time Limit: Teenagers are limited to one hour of Instagram use per day.
- Automatic Privacy: Teen accounts automatically switch to private, and new accounts for this age group also default to private.
- Limited Direct Messages: Teens can only receive DMs from accounts they follow or with whom they are connected.
- Restricted Content: Access to sensitive content, such as violent material, is significantly limited.
- Usage Alerts: After 60 minutes of use, teens receive a notification prompting them to close the app.
- Notification Management: The restriction mode disables notifications, and auto-replies are sent for DMs during restricted hours.
- Parental Oversight: Parents gain more control, able to monitor their child’s contacts and set usage limits.
- Privacy Control: Teens aged 14 to 16 require parental approval to change their account from private to public, while 17-year-olds can make this change independently.
Netizens Share Their Thoughts
These changes have sparked a lively debate among Korean netizens. Many express support for the policy, citing concerns about the negative impact of unfiltered content and malicious comments on young people. They emphasize the potential harm to teens’ well-being and the need for greater protection.
Here are some comments from netizens:
“But Instagram is really harmful; the comments are insane.”
“It seems unavoidable; Instagram is too harmful for kids these days.”
“I was shocked when I saw elementary and middle school students commenting on Reels, making jokes about former President Roh Moo Hyun…”
“This isn’t just harmful to teens, it seems harmful to humanity in general. But since teens are more immature and have poor judgment, I agree with the restrictions.”
“I think the real problem with social media addiction is with adults, not teens.”
“As a parent, I’ve come to see creators who make toxic content, especially on YouTube, as harmful substances to society.”
“Not just Instagram, but YouTube also needs to be restricted. These days, shorts have a lot of weird stuff.”
“I just don’t want teenagers to be fully exposed to harmful content and ideas, and then come out into society with distorted thinking.”
“This is really good. It would be even better if minors were completely banned from Instagram.”
“Restricting Instagram time is a foolish and short-sighted idea. And isn’t Instagram full of misogyny, sexual crimes, and the objectification of women?”
“This is really good. Haha.”
“When you grow up and get older, you realize why adults need to protect kids. They’re immature, lacking judgment, and can’t think logically. Adults need to properly educate them and guide them down the right path.”
“It’s not just about the 10 PM rule, there are just too many 19+ rated content there. Especially on Twitter (X)…”
“Not only Instagram, but YouTube, AfreecaTV, Panda TV, etc., all harmful platforms should be restricted after 10 PM.”
The comments reflect concerns about cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the overall effect of social media on teenagers. While many welcome the new regulations, others argue for a focus on education and responsible social media use rather than solely restricting access. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about how to best protect young people in the digital age.
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