Bundesjustizministerin Stefanie Hubig of the SPD welcomed the debate over age limits for social‑media use and called for stricter rules to be introduced later this year.
She told the “Rheinische Post” that the state must do more to safeguard children and adolescents in the digital realm. “It can’t be enough to simply teach media literacy” she said. “Real protection is needed before actual dangers arise”.
Hubig went on to contrast large, profit‑making platforms with local venues. “Every pub and cinema in Germany has clear rules for youth protection. It is illogical that we treat billion‑dollar platforms with manipulative algorithms more leniently than small drinking‑houses or outing spots”.
According to her, the discussion is now heading in the right direction. “There is a growing awareness that using social networks can have extremely harmful effects on children and teens” she remarked. She stressed the need for a “tiered protection concept” acknowledging that different age groups have varying protection needs and interests in digital participation.
Looking ahead, the justice minister said she expects further concrete proposals from an expert commission tasked by the federal government to assess possible actions. “By summer, when the commission’s findings are available, we should move into action. Every year we wait without clear protection measures could have severe consequences for the children and youths who are right now growing up”.