Bundesjustizministerin Stefanie Hubig stood up for the SPD position paper she co‑signed, which calls for a social‑media ban for children under 14, in response to criticism.
“In today’s world social media are an integral part of young people’s everyday reality” Hubig told the “Rheinische Post” during its Monday issue. “But we must acknowledge that their use can be especially harmful for children and adolescents. That is why we need clearer legal guidelines”. She added that a blanket ban is not the goal; instead, the policy should be age‑graded and nuanced, allowing participation while protecting developmental needs.
Hubig also attacked the tactics of platforms and other providers, saying they deliberately employ manipulative designs and gambling‑like elements “to keep users hooked and make them literally dependent”. “Many children and youths already complain about how stressed they feel by the constant online availability of social media. Now they are begging for age limits and restrictions” she emphasized.
She argued that children and adolescents have a right to grow up undisturbed-free from cyberbullying, perpetual comparison, and unrealistic beauty ideals that can’t be met in real life. “It is crucial to finally establish binding rules that effectively protect children and adolescents and to build lasting trust in digital spaces” Hubig urged.
