Child welfare organizations in Germany are voicing concerns regarding a proposed age restriction for social media platforms, put forward by the Federal Government’s Addiction Officer, Hendrik Streeck. While acknowledging the risks associated with unchecked online access for young people, these groups are cautioning against outright bans, arguing they could prove counterproductive.
Joachim Türk, Vice President of the German Child Protection Association, emphasized the right of children to participate in the digital world, stressing the need for safer online environments. He argues that current platforms lack adequate safety measures and should instead develop age-appropriate features, including tailored layouts and readily available support systems. He believes blanket bans would leave young people unprepared for navigating the digital landscape independently.
Other social organizations echo this sentiment. Michaela Engelmeier, Chairwoman of the Social Association Germany (SoVD), stated that the challenges of digitalization cannot be reversed and that a minimum age, while seemingly logical, fails to respect the autonomy of young people. The SoVD advocates for role models promoting healthy digital habits, mandatory media literacy programs in schools and active involvement of young people in developing solutions.
The organization “Active Against Media Addiction” acknowledges that children often lack the cognitive maturity to responsibly engage with the manipulative technologies present on social media. They suggest a tiered age regulation system could be therapeutically beneficial, but emphasize the necessity of legal frameworks and comprehensive media education within the school curriculum, potentially through a mandatory media competency subject.
Streeck’s proposal stems from concerns that high levels of exposure to inappropriate content contribute to risky behaviors and problematic substance use. He cites figures indicating that minors spend an average of four hours daily on social networks, coupled with two hours on computer games and two hours on streaming services and believes age restrictions could help curb this trend.