Feb 21 • 12:10 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

Party Convention: CDU Calls for Social Media Ban for Children

The CDU demands the German government establish an age limit of 14 for social media usage, following a resolution from their federal party convention in Stuttgart.

The CDU, during their recent federal party convention in Stuttgart, passed a resolution urging the German government to implement an age limit for the use of social media, proposing that this age limit be set at 14 years. This decision marks a significant shift for the party, which has historically had reservations about imposing any such restrictions. The delegates also considered a proposal from the Schleswig-Holstein state association proposing an age limit of 16 years and the introduction of real-name registration on social platforms, both of which were deemed too extreme by the majority of delegates. The party's evolution towards supporting age restrictions reflects changing attitudes within its ranks, particularly after party leader Friedrich Merz expressed support for the proposals ahead of the convention. Additionally, General Secretary Carsten Linnemann indicated that while he anticipated an open debate on the matter, there was a clear inclination towards establishing an age restriction on social media usage, highlighting the growing concern among politicians about the implications of unrestricted access to these platforms for younger users. This resolution also emphasizes broader societal concerns regarding child safety and mental wellbeing in the context of social media challenges, including cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. By initiating this discourse, the CDU is positioning itself as a proactive player in the ongoing debate surrounding digital regulations for minors, potentially influencing government policy and legislation in the near future.

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