A significant majority of German citizens are advocating for a minimum age of 13 for accessing social media platforms, video-sharing sites like YouTube and AI chatbots. Findings released today from a comprehensive Infratest Dimap poll, conducted for the ARD-Deutschlandtrend, reveal that 64% of eligible voters support such a measure. The survey, encompassing 1,306 participants, underscores a growing public concern about the potential harms of unchecked digital engagement among young people.
The sentiment highlights the increasing influence of the European Parliament’s recent endorsement of similar age restrictions, approved in late November. This move stipulated that platform access, even with parental consent previously granted, should be restricted to individuals aged 13 and above. The potential for parental consent to circumvent this age limit remains a point of ongoing debate within the evolving regulatory landscape.
Notably, the support isn’t generational. The poll demonstrates remarkably consistent views across age groups; 66% of 18-34 year olds and 65% of those over 65 express approval. This cross-generational agreement suggests a broader societal recognition of the need for enhanced digital safety protocols for young users.
Perhaps most striking is the surprising bipartisan consensus surrounding the issue. Across the spectrum of parties represented in the Bundestag, substantial majorities favor a minimum age for social media use. Supporters of Die Linke (70%), the SPD (69%), CDU/CSU (65%), the Greens (63%) and even the AfD (61%) indicate approval, illustrating a rare alignment on a complex and politically charged topic. Nevertheless, while the consensus appears strong, the rationale behind these views differs. Concerns range from data privacy and exposure to harmful content to the potential impact on mental health and social development, suggesting varied priorities underpinning the broad support. The question now becomes how and with what safeguards, these public desires for age verification and platform accountability will materialize into concrete legislation and whether the current proposals adequately address the evolving complexities of the digital realm.
