KUALA LUMPUR — Around seven per cent of Japanese young people aged 10 to 19 are suspected to be “pathological users” of social media, a recent survey by a medical institute has revealed, indicating they may struggle to limit their screen time.
The nationwide study, conducted by the National Hospital Organisation’s Kurihama Medical and Addiction Center, found this age group had the highest proportion of potential social media addicts.
Some research suggests links between social media use and criminal behaviour or mental health issues among children. To protect minors, countries such as Australia and Indonesia have restricted social media use for those under 16. Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Children and Families Agency are also deliberating on measures to tackle the problem.
The survey, carried out in January and February 2025, involved 9,000 randomly selected participants aged 10 to 79 across 400 locations nationwide, with 4,650 responding.
Participants answered nine questions, including, “Have you made unsuccessful efforts to reduce (social media) use?” and “Have you lied to your friends or your family about how much time you spent?”
According to the centre, respondents who answered affirmatively to at least five questions may be addicted. Among adolescents aged 10 to 19, this applied to seven per cent, compared with 4.7 per cent of those in their 20s, 1.1 per cent in their 30s, 0.8 per cent in their 40s, and 0.6 per cent in their 50s.
Of the suspected problematic users, 30 per cent reported spending “six hours or more” online on weekdays, while 62 per cent did so on weekends.
The centre recommends that families set smartphone usage rules before purchasing devices, clearly outlining when and where they can be used and the consequences for breaking them. It also urges parents to “set a good example.” — May 2, 2026