The German Minister for Digital Affairs supports age restrictions for children on social media.
The German Minister for Digital Affairs, Karsten Wildberger, expressed his support for introducing age limits for children on social media, pointing to the risks these platforms pose to youth development. He stated in an interview with the German news agency (DPA) that such restrictions are 'completely justified.'
Weilberger emphasized that any policy should be based on scientific evidence, carefully considering the appropriate age. He stressed the importance of organized discussion on how to protect children while allowing them to use the internet safely.
A government committee established by the government on 'Child and Youth Protection in the Digital World' is expected to issue its recommendations next year regarding age limits and the possibility of banning mobile phones in schools. The committee will consult experts in the fields of medicine, child protection, and education to guide its decisions.
Experts will also participate in workshops next year to study the impact of social media and the potential benefits of age limits or mobile phone restrictions in schools. These discussions aim to establish evidence-based policies that strike a balance between protecting children and meeting their needs in the digital world.
This move comes in line with Australia's experience, where children under the age of 16 have been banned from creating accounts on many major social media platforms since December 10. Germany may adopt a similar approach to ensure the safety and growth of young users online.