Government representatives have welcomed the announcement by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding the proposal for regulations introducing age limits for social media.
Speaking to the media, Federal Minister for Education Karin Prien (CDU) stressed that the decision not to allow children under 13 to use social media is a crucial principle. She added that even more important is ensuring that children under the age of three can grow up without screen time whatsoever. Prior endorses the EU’s intention to compel platforms to implement secure default settings and safe designs, a concept known as “Safety by Design.” She emphasized that these platforms must be able to prove their safety, a regulation that can only be implemented at the European level, thereby easing the burden on parents to configure their children’s devices securely.
Minister Prien is now pressing for rapid implementation, noting the demonstrated mental and health consequences resulting from unregulated social media use among children and adolescents. While supporting the EU guidelines, she also intends for supplementary German legislation. Crucially, she clarified that the goal is not to lock children out, but to empower them to use social media appropriately and participate in society. Nationally, her ministry will complement the EU Commission’s initiatives with measures that strike a balanced equilibrium between protection, empowerment, and participation. This will include better educating parents and empowering primary school-age children in interacting with artificial intelligence.
Federal Minister for Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) echoed similar sentiments. She stated that children and young people must be better protected in the digital sphere, which is why a statutory minimum age for social media is necessary. Hubig supported the EU’s initiative to lead in this area, but cautioned that announcements must be quickly followed by concrete action, as another year without specific protective measures could harm young people.
