A new policy was recently implemented in South Korea limiting Instagram usage for teen users aged 14 to 18, aiming to reduce excessive social media use.

The policy includes two major features: a 'Usage Restriction Mode' from 10 PM to 7 AM, which prevents access to Instagram during those hours, and a 'Daily Time Limit,' restricting total usage to one hour per day.

Under this policy, teen accounts will automatically switch to private, with new accounts for this age group also set to private by default. Direct messages (DMs) will only be received from people they follow or are connected with, and access to sensitive content like violent material will be significantly restricted. After 60 minutes of use, teens will receive a notification prompting them to close the app. Additionally, a usage restriction mode will disable notifications, and auto-replies will be sent for DMs between 10 PM and 7 AM.

This update also gives parents more control over their child’s account. Parents can monitor their child’s contacts and set usage limits. For teens aged 14 to 16, parental approval will be required to switch their account from private to public, while those 17 and older will be able to make this change independently.

Korean netizens have gathered in a popular online community to discuss the new policy, with many expressing approval. They pointed out that many young users are exposed to unfiltered content, including harmful material and malicious comments, which could negatively impact their well-being.

Netizens commented:

"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."

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