The German government is establishing a panel of experts to examine the possibility of implementing a minimum age for accessing social media platforms. This move follows a parliamentary inquiry by Anja Reinalter, Green Party spokesperson for education policy and underscores the government’s recognition of the need for a scientifically-backed approach to regulating online access for young people.
The newly convened commission, titled “Child and Youth Protection in the Digital World” will specifically investigate the potential for age restrictions on social media use. Simultaneously, the government is urging social media companies operating under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to consider deactivating potentially harmful features, such as continuous scrolling feeds and autoplay functionality, for users under the age of majority.
The impetus for these initiatives comes amidst growing concerns regarding the mental health of young people. A recent study by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (“Copsy” – Corona and Psyche) revealed that approximately one-fifth of young people in Germany experienced mental health disorders by the end of 2024, a figure higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Responding to Reinalter’s inquiries, the government affirmed its commitment to addressing this issue, stating that strengthened mental health support for young people is a top priority. A comprehensive strategy, “Mental Health for Young People” is currently in development with initial steps and measures slated for implementation in 2026.
However, critics argue that the government’s actions are insufficient. Reinalter has expressed disappointment with the slow pace of progress and urged a wider expansion of the “Startchancen” program to increase the number of school social workers and school psychologists.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the composition of the expert commission, with both Reinalter and Quentin Gärtner, General Secretary of the Federal Student Conference, lamenting the absence of youth representation. Both advocates emphasize the importance of incorporating the voices and perspectives of young people in decisions affecting them.
The Federal Student Conference is also calling for substantially increased funding for school social work and psychology services, aligning budget allocation with the stated priority of supporting the mental health of young people. They advocate for tangible assistance and resources rather than merely symbolic commitments.