Child welfare organizations in Germany are voicing concerns regarding a proposed governmental push for strict age restrictions on social media platforms. The debate follows recent calls from Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Government’s Commissioner on Addiction Issues, for definitive age limits on platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
Joachim Türk, Vice President of the German Child Protection Association (Kinderschutzbund), argues that denying young people access to digital spaces is not the solution. He emphasizes the right of children to participate in the digital world, asserting the need for safe online environments specifically tailored to their age groups, featuring child-friendly interfaces and readily available support resources. Türk contends that blanket bans would leave adolescents unprepared for navigating online environments as they mature.
Other social welfare organizations echo this sentiment. Michaela Engelmeier, Chairperson of the Social Association of Germany (SoVD), acknowledges the importance of the discussion but stresses that restrictive measures are counterproductive. She believes hindering digital access isn’t a respectful approach to young people, stating the challenges presented by digitalization cannot be reversed. Instead, Engelmeier advocates for positive role models promoting healthy online habits, mandatory media literacy education in schools and meaningful inclusion of young people in developing solutions.
The organization “Active Against Media Addiction” confirms that children often lack the cognitive maturity to responsibly engage with the manipulative technologies prevalent in social media. Niels Pruin, a member of the organization’s board, suggests a tiered age regulation system could be therapeutically beneficial. However, he underlines the crucial role of both legal frameworks and comprehensive media education within schools, potentially implemented as a required subject focusing on media competency.
Commissioner Streeck maintains that excessive exposure to inappropriate content amongst children and adolescents increases their vulnerability to risky behaviors and problematic substance use. He cites data 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. Streeck believes that age restrictions could help curb this extensive consumption.
