German teenagers support social media age limits

A survey by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) regarding social media use among teenagers in Germany reveals that over half of respondents aged 12 to 17 support age restrictions. Specifically, 47 percent favor a ban up to a certain age, typically 14, while 8 percent support a complete ban for minors. Approximately 39 percent of those surveyed reject such restrictions.

While 80 percent of adolescents stated that social networks are generally beneficial for entertainment and social contact, they identified several negative factors. The most significant issues cited were excessive advertising (57 percent) and false or misleading content (52 percent). Additionally, over 30 percent of respondents expressed concerns regarding bullying, unwanted content, and excessive time spent on platforms.

The study also noted a correlation between screen time and mental well-being. Participants spending four or more hours daily on social media reported higher rates of poor mood, restlessness, sleep problems, and exhaustion compared to those with lower usage. To manage this, many teenagers employ self-regulation tactics such as unfollowing profiles or disabling notifications.