Protection for children: Özdemir calls for a ban on social media up to 16!

Protection for children: Özdemir calls for a ban on social media up to 16!

The current debate about the use of social media and cell phones by children and young people continues to heat up in the primary election campaign in Baden-Württemberg. The Green Party's top candidate, Cem Özdemir, is calling for a ban on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram for children and young people under the age of 16. In an interview with the dpa news agency, he emphasized that similar regulations to those for driving licenses are needed: young people should be gradually introduced to using social media to ensure their safety. Krzbb.de reports on these statements and the increasing risks associated with the use of digital platforms.

A clear warning also comes from the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. A comprehensive discussion paper addresses the dangers of social media for minors, especially the danger of cyberbullying, mental illness and addictive behavior. More than a quarter of 10 to 17 year olds in Germany already display risky usage behavior on social networks. At the same time, the scientists suggest only allowing access to social media from the age of 13 and call on parents to closely monitor their children's use between the ages of 13 and 15. In addition, the federal government should ensure that suitable technical solutions are developed for age verification and for regulating use in schools and daycare centers. Further details on the Academy's recommendations can be found in an article by Time.

Risks and opportunities of the digital world

Social media, which enriches daily life for some, also brings with it significant risks. According to WHO findings, 11% of young people already show problematic behavior when using these platforms. Girls are particularly affected, for whom the rate is higher at 13% than for boys at 9%. The constant online presence also creates pressure that can also affect school performance. There is a clear connection between problematic use and lower psychological and social well-being as well as an increase in substance use.

The WHO therefore calls for measures to promote media literacy that should be gender-specific and culturally adapted. Important points include compliance with age limits for social media and greater education about the risks of their use. Measures that support parents and schools are of great importance in order to promote the positive aspects - such as social contact and access to information - without the negative effects becoming too prominent. The experts report more on this in their analysis, which is available on the website WHO is visible.

So developing a better digital future for our young people is no easy task. However, the voices calling for clear rules and measures are becoming louder and louder. It is now up to politicians and society to respond to these challenges and find innovative solutions that focus on the digital well-being of young people.