Vietnam is considering new rules that would prevent children under the age of 16 from posting content, commenting or reacting on social media platforms, as part of a broader effort to improve online safety for minors.
According to a draft decree reviewed by Reuters, social media accounts belonging to users under 16 would have to be registered using the details of a parent or legal guardian. Parents would also be responsible for monitoring the content their children view and the amount of time they spend on social media.
The proposal would require social media companies to introduce technical measures to identify underage users and ensure they are only exposed to age-appropriate content.
Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam said the aim is not to ban children from using social media, but to create a safer online environment.
“The primary objective is not to ban or excessively restrict children’s access to social media, but rather to ensure they are protected from inappropriate risks while using these services,” he said during a meeting on Thursday.
Under the proposed rules, platforms would also have to provide the highest level of privacy protection for child accounts and actively detect, warn against and block access to harmful content, including violence, pornography, gambling, drugs and suicide-related material.
The proposal comes amid growing global concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health and online safety.
Earlier this week, France approved legislation banning children under 15 from accessing social media, while Australia became the first country to introduce such restrictions. Several other countries are also considering similar measures.
The draft decree also includes new restrictions on online gaming for minors.
Game operators would be required to verify users’ ages, register accounts for children under 16 through a parent or guardian, and limit those users to no more than 60 minutes of gameplay per day for games operated by the same company.
The proposed regulations have not yet been finalised and may be amended before they are officially adopted.
