[Survey Results] Elementary and Junior High Students Consider 'Internet Crimes' the Biggest Problem with SNS. Over 60% Predict Future SNS Restrictions for Under-16s in Japan
A survey by Nifty Kids found that roughly 80% of Japanese elementary and junior high school students believe SNS restrictions for under-16s are necessary, with over 60% expecting a ban in Japan, though many fear losing vital communication tools like LINE.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 22:08
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 23:44 (10h 13m after Collected)
Nifty Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Kazunari Maejima; hereinafter, "the Company") conducted a questionnaire survey regarding "SNS" on "Nifty Kids," a website operated by the Company for children, and published a report summarizing the results today, Thursday, April 23.
In this survey, aimed primarily at children such as elementary and junior high school students, a questionnaire was conducted regarding the global spread of SNS restrictions and bans for those under 16, as well as problems with SNS, yielding responses from 1,479 individuals.
Currently, restrictions and bans on SNS for those under 16 are spreading globally. Regarding this, about 80% of the respondents, combining those who answered "I think it's necessary" and "It's better to have some restrictions," seem to believe that some form of SNS restriction is necessary for those under 16. Furthermore, "incidents and crimes via the internet" ranked first as the biggest problem with SNS, and it was found that 61.9% of children predict that SNS will be restricted or banned for those under 16 in Japan in the future as well.
■ "SNS" Survey Report
https://kids.nifty.com/parent/research/sns_20260401/
■ Survey Overview
- Questionnaire Period
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Monday, March 23, 2026
- Survey Organization
In-house survey
- Target Audience
Visitors to "Nifty Kids," primarily elementary and junior high school students
- Number of Valid Responses
1,479
- Survey Method
Internet survey
- Survey Items
1. Did you know that SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are spreading worldwide right now?
2. Do you think SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are necessary?
3. Tell us the reason for your answer to Q2!
4. What do you think is the biggest problem with SNS?
5. Who do you think should hold the most responsibility to prevent SNS overuse?
6. Do you think SNS will eventually be restricted/banned for those under 16 in Japan as well?
7. If SNS were to be restricted/banned in Japan, which method would make the most sense to you?
8. Tell us if there's anything you're worried about regarding SNS being restricted/banned!
9. Tell us if you have any ideas on "what should be done" regarding SNS usage by those under 16!
■ Survey Results (Excerpt)
- Did you know that SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are spreading worldwide right now?
73.5% of elementary students and 83% of junior high students answered "I knew."
- Do you think SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are necessary?
Combining those who answered "I think it's necessary" and "It's better to have some restrictions," it was found that approximately 80% of elementary and junior high students believe some form of SNS restriction is necessary for those under 16.
- What do you think is the biggest problem with SNS?
"Incidents and crimes via the internet" was the most common, followed by "cyberbullying" and "the spread of fake information created by AI."
- Do you think SNS will eventually be restricted/banned for those under 16 in Japan as well?
66.6% of elementary students and 53.5% of junior high students answered "I think so."
- Tell us if there's anything you're worried about regarding SNS being restricted/banned!
* Nothing in particular, but I don't want a ban. I think banning is bad because SNS allows you to connect with people all over the world, for better or worse.
* I'm worried whether we won't even be able to use LINE. I understand banning Instagram and stuff, but LINE is used for sharing locations with parents, and we won't be able to ask friends about homework assignments.
* Some people get interested in various things through SNS, so it feels like there will be fewer people like that...
* There are times when SNS makes you smarter, and ultimately the quickest way to get information is SNS. Of course, I filter the information.
* I won't be able to connect with my internet friends.
While SNS has its issues, it seems to have become an indispensable part of children's lives. In particular, anxiety was observed regarding the inability to use communication tools like LINE, indicating that SNS plays a role in supporting daily life. Furthermore, it was also found that SNS is utilized for gathering information and self-growth, such as gaining new interests and knowledge.
■ About "Nifty Kids"
A service for children, aimed primarily at elementary and junior high school students, started in 2002. It provides a corner called 'Kids Ask Anything' where children answer children's questions, a section where families can create their own 'Internet Rules' to enjoy the internet safely, and also provides information for parents and teachers.
*Product names and service names are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
*The content is current as of the date of the announcement. It is subject to change without notice.
In this survey, aimed primarily at children such as elementary and junior high school students, a questionnaire was conducted regarding the global spread of SNS restrictions and bans for those under 16, as well as problems with SNS, yielding responses from 1,479 individuals.
Currently, restrictions and bans on SNS for those under 16 are spreading globally. Regarding this, about 80% of the respondents, combining those who answered "I think it's necessary" and "It's better to have some restrictions," seem to believe that some form of SNS restriction is necessary for those under 16. Furthermore, "incidents and crimes via the internet" ranked first as the biggest problem with SNS, and it was found that 61.9% of children predict that SNS will be restricted or banned for those under 16 in Japan in the future as well.
■ "SNS" Survey Report
https://kids.nifty.com/parent/research/sns_20260401/
■ Survey Overview
- Questionnaire Period
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Monday, March 23, 2026
- Survey Organization
In-house survey
- Target Audience
Visitors to "Nifty Kids," primarily elementary and junior high school students
- Number of Valid Responses
1,479
- Survey Method
Internet survey
- Survey Items
1. Did you know that SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are spreading worldwide right now?
2. Do you think SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are necessary?
3. Tell us the reason for your answer to Q2!
4. What do you think is the biggest problem with SNS?
5. Who do you think should hold the most responsibility to prevent SNS overuse?
6. Do you think SNS will eventually be restricted/banned for those under 16 in Japan as well?
7. If SNS were to be restricted/banned in Japan, which method would make the most sense to you?
8. Tell us if there's anything you're worried about regarding SNS being restricted/banned!
9. Tell us if you have any ideas on "what should be done" regarding SNS usage by those under 16!
■ Survey Results (Excerpt)
- Did you know that SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are spreading worldwide right now?
73.5% of elementary students and 83% of junior high students answered "I knew."
- Do you think SNS restrictions/bans for those under 16 are necessary?
Combining those who answered "I think it's necessary" and "It's better to have some restrictions," it was found that approximately 80% of elementary and junior high students believe some form of SNS restriction is necessary for those under 16.
- What do you think is the biggest problem with SNS?
"Incidents and crimes via the internet" was the most common, followed by "cyberbullying" and "the spread of fake information created by AI."
- Do you think SNS will eventually be restricted/banned for those under 16 in Japan as well?
66.6% of elementary students and 53.5% of junior high students answered "I think so."
- Tell us if there's anything you're worried about regarding SNS being restricted/banned!
* Nothing in particular, but I don't want a ban. I think banning is bad because SNS allows you to connect with people all over the world, for better or worse.
* I'm worried whether we won't even be able to use LINE. I understand banning Instagram and stuff, but LINE is used for sharing locations with parents, and we won't be able to ask friends about homework assignments.
* Some people get interested in various things through SNS, so it feels like there will be fewer people like that...
* There are times when SNS makes you smarter, and ultimately the quickest way to get information is SNS. Of course, I filter the information.
* I won't be able to connect with my internet friends.
While SNS has its issues, it seems to have become an indispensable part of children's lives. In particular, anxiety was observed regarding the inability to use communication tools like LINE, indicating that SNS plays a role in supporting daily life. Furthermore, it was also found that SNS is utilized for gathering information and self-growth, such as gaining new interests and knowledge.
■ About "Nifty Kids"
A service for children, aimed primarily at elementary and junior high school students, started in 2002. It provides a corner called 'Kids Ask Anything' where children answer children's questions, a section where families can create their own 'Internet Rules' to enjoy the internet safely, and also provides information for parents and teachers.
*Product names and service names are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
*The content is current as of the date of the announcement. It is subject to change without notice.