Germany Rejects Blanket Social Media Ban for Kids, Pushes Holistic Approach
Germany's addiction and drug commissioner, Hendrik Streeck, has spoken out against a blanket social media ban for children. Instead, he backs a broader set of measures to tackle problematic media use among young people. His comments come as several EU countries introduce stricter age limits for platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Streeck highlighted concerns over rising media addiction, noting that one in four children now shows high-risk usage behaviour. While he supports the SPD's proposal to ban social media for under-14s, he argues that a single restriction is not enough. His preferred approach includes better media literacy, binding age checks, platform accountability, and limits on addictive design features.
Across Europe, governments are tightening rules. Austria is drafting a Social Media Ordinance Act, due by summer 2026, setting age limits at 14–15 for major platforms. France's National Assembly has approved a 15-year minimum age, with enforcement starting in September 2026. Australia went further, banning under-16s entirely in December 2025, followed by Greece. Denmark, Ireland, and Norway are also considering similar laws.
At the EU level, discussions on a comprehensive minor ban have been ongoing since November 2025. Proposed enforcement includes mandatory age verification, platform liability for harmful algorithms, and stricter design rules under the Digital Services Act (DSA). These measures aim to reduce risks without relying solely on outright bans.
Streeck's stance reflects a shift toward targeted protections rather than broad restrictions. With multiple countries adopting age limits and the EU reviewing stricter rules, the focus is now on balancing access with safeguards. The outcome could reshape how young people engage with digital platforms in the coming years.
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