Hessian Greens also want social media ban for children - Green Party proposes strict new social media rules for under-18s in Germany
The Green Party has unveiled a detailed 13-point plan to tighten social media rules for young people. Their proposals include stricter age limits, expanded media literacy, and new support roles for digital safety. The plan also calls for greater involvement of children in shaping online regulations.
Other political parties, such as the CDU and SPD, have put forward similar ideas in recent months.
Under the Greens' plan, children under 13 would be banned from using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. For 13- to 15-year-olds, parental consent would become mandatory before creating accounts. The party also wants to restrict features that amplify addiction risks for anyone under 18.
The proposals extend beyond age limits. The Greens are pushing for expanded media literacy programmes aimed at children, parents, and professionals working with young people. They also suggest introducing 'digital street workers'—specialists who support young users in online environments. To provide alternatives, the plan includes more offline leisure activities for children. Another key element is the call for an 'authentic police presence in digital spaces'. This would involve law enforcement engaging directly with young people on platforms to address risks and enforce rules. The Greens further emphasise that children and teenagers should have a meaningful say in designing digital regulations that affect them. The federal CDU has previously urged the government to set a 14-year minimum age for social media use. Meanwhile, the SPD has made proposals closely aligned with those of the Greens and the CDU, signalling growing cross-party support for stricter controls.
If implemented, the Greens' plan would introduce some of the strictest social media rules for minors in Germany. The measures would require platforms to enforce age checks, limit addictive features, and increase support for young users. The push for digital safety has gained traction, with multiple parties now backing tighter age restrictions and better online protections.
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