Leading politicians from the Union parties insist that age limits for using social networks are necessary. “Social media are neither inherently good nor bad. We do not want blanket bans, but we must better protect children and young people” said Anja Weisgerber, deputy chair of the Union faction (CSU), to Der Spiegel.
“We can help by providing age‑appropriate access. We are currently discussing how best to implement this within the Union faction” she added.
Klaus Holetschek, the CSU faction leader in the Bavarian state parliament, argued that a general ban on social media for under‑16s is hard to enforce. “Youth protection online has to be as stringent as it is on the streets” he said. He pointed out what he sees as an untenable contradiction: “No entry into a pub, yet unlimited access to violence, pornography, and hateful comments on mobile phones”.
In Saxony, CDU Minister of Education Conrad Clemens warned that excessive consumption of social media is “like a disease – with long‑term consequences”. He urged for an age minimum for usage. Saxony already bans private mobile phones in primary schools nationwide, and he said he could see extending that until eighth grade.
Defence politician Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU) told Der Spiegel that he supports restricting or banning social media for those under 16. Research shows dangers ranging from addiction and cyber‑bullying to disinformation, he said, and cautioned against being persuaded by US tech companies.
Charlotte Beermann, chair of the Ring of Christian‑Democratic Students – a CDU‑aligned student association – noted that social networks are vital communication tools for teenagers. However, she stressed the need to shield children from contact with politically extremist positions that they cannot contextualise. “It is a difficult balancing act, but when in doubt we should prioritise child protection” she concluded.
