Thuringia’s Minister-President Mario Voigt has proposed measures to safeguard children and adolescents from the potential harms of social media, drawing parallels with regulations surrounding alcohol and tobacco.
Speaking to “Welt” Voigt emphasized the increasing concerns surrounding the documented negative impacts of social media on young people’s mental health, suggesting an age restriction of 16 for access. He articulated that this approach mirrors the existing framework for substances like alcohol and cigarettes, prioritizing the safety and well-being of minors.
Beyond age restrictions, Voigt also announced an initiative targeting smartphone usage in elementary schools within Thuringia. A legal proposal is planned to prohibit the use of smartphones during school hours, although Voigt clarified that this would not prevent children from communicating with their parents regarding after-school pick-ups or relaying travel information.
The proposal is fueled by a recent study indicating that one in four children already experience anxiety linked to social media usage. Voigt highlighted the alarming trend of excessive smartphone use, noting that many adolescents scroll through screens an estimated 200 meters daily.
Minister-President Voigt expressed further concern regarding the potential for exposure to inappropriate content and interactions with strangers on social media platforms. He stated that such experiences can negatively affect young people’s emotional states and awareness, reinforcing the need for a stricter regulatory environment. He emphasized the intention to implement policies restricting social media access until the age of 16 within Germany.