Germany debates social media regulations for minors

Germany is facing an intensifying debate regarding the regulation of social media use by minors. The Federal Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors (BVKJ) has called for strict measures, including a potential ban on social media for children under 14 and screen-free upbringing until age three, citing concerns over mental health and developmental risks.

In Lower Saxony, Social Minister Andreas Philippi has announced plans to reform the Youth Employment Protection Act (Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz) via the Bundesrat. The goal is to better protect 'child influencers' who generate revenue through social media content, often managed by parents. The reform seeks to grant supervisory authorities more power to enforce protections and to clarify legal requirements for parental consent regarding children's personal data.

While some political actors are exploring age-verification mechanisms, such as the EUDI Wallet for 2027, experts like media pedagogue Prof. Dr. Ruth Wendt urge a nuanced approach. Wendt suggests that blanket bans may not be the most effective solution, emphasizing the need for platform accountability and parental involvement rather than simple prohibitions.