Baden-Württemberg: Citizens' Forum calls for social media ban for children!

Baden-Württemberg: Citizens' Forum calls for social media ban for children!

More and more people are thinking about the influence of media and artificial intelligence (AI) on our daily lives. A recently published citizens' forum in Baden-Württemberg developed some important recommendations on media use. Over several months, more than 60 randomly selected citizens of all ages have discussed vigorously, and the results are more than remarkable. How tagesschau.de reported, a total of 44 recommendations were handed over to the President of the State Parliament, Muhterem Aras.

The topics of the discussions were diverse and range from the role of private and public media to the regulation of online platforms and the handling of AI. One proposal in particular stands out: a complete social media ban for children up to ten years old. In addition, smartphones should be banned in classes one to four. In order to promote media literacy at an early stage, a separate school subject should be established from the fifth grade onwards. Stricter age controls for media content were also recommended, as was the requirement that content creators disclose and link their sources of information.

Social challenges

The citizens' forum is a joint project of the Baden-Württemberg Press Foundation and was accompanied by scientists. According to State Parliament President Aras, the results are a valuable contribution to democratic discourse. SWR director Kai Gniffke emphasized the importance of dialogue with media users in order to increase journalistic quality. Jens Schmitz, Chairman of the Press Foundation, explained that the aim of the forum was to better understand the perspective of media users.

But what about the media literacy of the younger generation in a world in which digital media is playing an increasingly important role? A report from the Federal Agency for Civic Education raises interesting questions in this regard. bpb.de describes how the relationship between humans and AI has changed from the initial dystopian perspectives to a discussion about values. The uncertainties about which values ​​should be integrated into AI are still present. Educational policy is needed to promote the use of AI in schools and to teach critical thinking.

Risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence

The conference of committee chairs of the state media authorities has now commissioned a report on AI and media competence. The report examines how AI influences the media sector and suggests measures to strengthen media literacy. medienpolitik.net reports that AI presents both opportunities and risks. While personalization and automation can improve access to information, there is also the risk of disinformation and filter bubbles. Comprehensive measures to promote media literacy are required here.

In conclusion, it remains to be said that the discussions surrounding media use and the role of artificial intelligence are more important than ever. It is crucial that society not only responds to the challenges, but also actively works on solutions. The important contribution of the Citizens' Forum in Baden-Württemberg shows that broad citizen participation is necessary in these issues. Together we can shape a better informed and competent society.