On August 8, 2026, it was reported that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had instructed the Minister in charge of children's policies to formulate a government policy on children's use of social media by the end of the year. The government is considering submitting necessary legislation to the ordinary session of the Diet in 2027.

    While some countries have introduced or considered legal age restrictions on social media use, the Japanese government is examining what measures would be appropriate for children in Japan. Current discussions include risk assessments by social media platforms, age assurance, and measures to protect young users.

    The government has not decided simply to impose a blanket age ban. Discussions are continuing while considering both the risks associated with social media and the role it can play in communication, learning, and providing a sense of belonging for young people.

Comment from GAME-F

Debates about children's social media use often focus on simple thresholds, such as what age children should be allowed to use social media or how many hours they should spend online.

    However, social media can also provide opportunities for communication, learning, access to information, and social connection. Rather than framing the issue simply as prohibition versus unrestricted use, a combination of age-appropriate safety settings, age assurance, platform responsibility, family rules, and digital literacy is needed.

    GAME-F considers it important to look not only at screen time, but also at effects on sleep, school life, family relationships, and everyday functioning, while creating a digital environment in which children can use technology safely and constructively.

References

こども家庭庁「青少年インターネット環境の整備等に関する検討会等」
内閣府・黄川田大臣記者会見（2026年7月31日）
FNN「子どものSNS利用規制　年末までの方針策定を指示」（2026年8月8日）