Concerns are growing regarding the impact of social media on children and adolescents, prompting discussions about potential restrictions. Carsten Linnemann, General Secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has expressed openness to a debate surrounding a ban on social media usage for individuals under the age of 16.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Linnemann voiced significant anxieties about the current online landscape, stating that allowing unrestricted access could be considered a betrayal to younger generations. He emphasized that online interactions have devolved beyond simple exchange, frequently involving insults, defamation and discrimination.
Linnemann highlighted the potential detrimental effects on mental health, noting a rising prevalence of depression among children and teenagers who spend considerable time online. He cited exposure to distressing content, including war, crime, violence and sexualized material, as contributing factors, arguing that young people lack the maturity to properly process such imagery.
Furthermore, the CDU General Secretary expressed concern over the potential for social isolation and a decline in social skills. He suggested that exclusively learning socialization through online platforms can impede the development of real-world interpersonal abilities. The suggestion for a potential ban aims to initiate a broader conversation about safeguarding the wellbeing of young people in the digital age.
