Green Party proposes new social media rules with teen input

Should kids under 14 be banned from social media? Germany's Green Party is asking teenagers directly—and their answers could reshape online safety laws.

, and Administrator

2026 April 22 . 8:05 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with a quote from Building a Better America that reads, "We must hold... — The image shows a poster with a quote from Building a Better America that reads, "We must hold social media platforms accountable for the national experiment they're conducting on our children - for profit." The poster is decorated with stars, symbolizing the importance of the message.

"We need to discuss whether we should impose a ban for teenagers starting at 14, at 16, or whether we should instead set far stricter requirements—for example, ensuring that addictive algorithms can no longer operate as they do now," Audretsch told broadcasters RTL and ntv. The Green Party also plans to engage directly with the young people affected. "As the Greens, we want to convene a youth forum to carefully examine, together with young people, what the best approach would be."

Outlining his party's proposed strategy, Audretsch described a two-pronged approach: "On one hand, tough regulations and clear legal rules; on the other, media literacy and education. We need to ensure that young people learn how to navigate these platforms and handle what they encounter there."