The Minister-President of Thuringia, Mario Voigt, is advocating for restrictions on children and adolescents’ access to smartphones and social media. In a contribution to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Voigt proposes a minimum age of 14 for smartphone use and 16 for accessing social media platforms. He also suggests schools should adopt policies prohibiting smartphone use during school hours.
Voigt argues that young people require opportunities for real-world experiences rather than constant digital connectivity, suggesting that basic mobile phones are sufficient for remaining accessible. He expresses concern about the potential for apps to trigger dopamine-driven engagement and the negative impacts of early social media exposure, including decreased self-esteem, increased comparison with others and the development of depressive symptoms.
He believes schools should remain focused on traditional learning, incorporating digital literacy as a distinct subject within the curriculum, but separating it from recreational screen time. Voigt emphasizes the importance of teaching children how to protect their attention and overall well-being, framing it as an investment in their future freedom.
Voigt positions the issue not as a technological problem, but a societal one arising from indifference to the consequences of digital engagement. He calls for political leadership in setting boundaries, specifically mentioning a ban on TikTok before age 16, smartphone-free primary schools, purposeful integration of digital learning, public awareness campaigns and support for parents navigating the digital landscape.
The Thuringian state government is already taking action, according to Voigt. Initiatives include the “Children’s Media Course” which aims to educate young people about the opportunities and risks of digital media in schools and learning centers. Another program, “Safe Talk, Real Talk”, addresses the critical issue of online sexual exploitation and cyberbullying, promoting open dialogue between professionals and adolescents about boundary violations and digital abuse.