Feb 18 • 08:03 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia TVNET

Germany also considers banning social networks for children

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has supported proposals to restrict children's access to social media due to concerns over its impact on youth behavior.

Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany, has endorsed proposals aimed at limiting children's access to social media platforms. During a political podcast named 'Machtwechsel', Merz expressed his concerns about children spending excessive time on screens, particularly when socialization is restricted to these platforms, which he believes may lead to personality disorders and issues with social behavior among youth. He highlighted the need for a reevaluation of how children engage with digital media as they grow up. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Schleswig-Holstein has proposed setting the minimum age for using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at 16, along with mandatory age verification processes. Merz found this initiative favorable, and he also recognized a similar proposal introduced by the Social Democrats (SPD) that outlines specific measures for enforcing restrictions on social media usage among youth. This proposal includes a tiered model that would prohibit access for children under 14 years of age, stressing the importance of safeguarding young people's wellbeing. The discourse surrounding social media restrictions signals a significant shift in Germany's approach to child welfare in the digital age. As concerns mount about the mental health effects of excessive screen time and digital interaction, government authorities are starting to take proactive steps to mitigate these risks. This could lead to a broader evaluation of technology's role in the lives of young individuals and could potentially set a precedent for future legislation in Europe and beyond, where similar discussions are taking place regarding the influence of social media on youth behavior.

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