Heidi Reichinnek, the parliamentary group leader of the Left party, regards the SPD’s proposals to curb social‑media use among children and adolescents with caution. “It is absolutely sensible that we finally discuss how people – especially young people – can be better protected on social media” she told the “Spiegel”. “However, blanket bans for children and teenagers are not the solution, because they also have a right to digital participation”.
Instead of penalising users, Reichinnek argues that the companies providing these services must be held responsible. “The Digital Services Act already exists at the EU level, and it must finally be enforced consistently” she said. She also demands improved reporting options for users, clearer enforcement against misconduct, and faster removal of harmful posts.
“Youth work programmes need stronger support so that young people can learn to use social media responsibly” Reichinnek added. “In the medium term we also need European social‑media platforms to reduce dependence on the current offerings and the problems they bring”. The politician, who has hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok, highlighted these points.
Previously, the SPD Bundestag faction had presented a policy paper calling for a ban on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram for users under 14, and for compulsory “youth versions” of the platforms for those aged 14 to 16.
