Social media firms add parent alerts in Japan to shield teens

Social media companies are introducing measures in Japan to help parents monitor their children's online activities. The moves come as the government considers new rules amid concerns the overuse of social media can harm the health of minors.

US tech giant Meta started a parental-notification feature for its Instagram platform in Japan this month. The system uses an email or app to alert parents or guardians if it detects teenage users running searches about suicide or self-harm.

The notification includes advice on managing the situation. It also provides contact information for the health ministry's consultation desk.

The video-sharing site TikTok has also introduced features to protect minors. They include allowing parents to limit the length of viewing by their children and the watching of inappropriate content.

nhk