During the debate over a social‑media ban for children and adolescents, Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Commissioner for Drug and Addiction Issues (CDU), spoke again at the CDU party conference and sharpened his demands. He told the “Rheinische Post”: “I believe an effective ban on social networks for children under 14 is appropriate. Those kids are not yet able to reliably understand manipulative platform mechanisms. This is not about paternalism, it is about protection”.
Streeck explained that as children grow older the focus should shift from exclusion to clear protective measures and increasing personal responsibility. “Platforms must fulfil special duty‑of‑care obligations for young users and design their systems for safety rather than maximum engagement. At every age, existing law must be consistently enforced” he added.
He emphasized the need for robust technology, noting that age verification standards only work when they are reliable. At the same time, media literacy must be strengthened and parents supported. “Youth media protection is not a cultural crusade. It is a matter of health, development, and democratic stability” Streeck said. Digital participation remains essential, but it must occur within a safe and health‑promoting framework. “Youth media protection is not ideological; it is about the well‑being and development of our children” he reiterated.
Streeck warned that social media now shapes childhood and adolescence, providing opportunities for exchange and information while simultaneously presenting troubling trends. “Already one in four children shows problematic or risky usage. This is not an individual failure but the result of digital business models that pursue maximum attention” he explained. “Endless feeds, autoplay, and highly precise algorithms target a brain still developing”. He added that disturbing content can radicalise: “Violence, extremism, and anti‑democratic narratives are amplified algorithmically. Talking only of personal responsibility ignores reality. We need binding age standards and clear enforcement”.
The commissioner called for science‑based, cross‑party action to safeguard youth in the digital age.
