President Steinmeier to Address Online Harassment and Social Media's Impact on Youth

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to deliver a speech at the German School Prize presentation in Berlin-Adlershof on Tuesday. He will address the pressing issue of online harassment and its impact on young people, particularly in the context of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X.

Steinmeier will discuss the alarming findings of a study, which suggests that every second German internet user has experienced verbal insults online. Moreover, a quarter of Germans have reported threats of physical violence, and 13 percent have reported threats of sexual violence. The study, although not named, highlights the prevalence of online harassment in Germany.

The President welcomes the implementation of smartphone bans in elementary schools but stresses that this measure alone is insufficient to protect older students from bullying and polarization. He believes that young people must learn to assert themselves in democratic discussions and social networks to navigate the digital landscape effectively. Steinmeier argues that practical experience in real-life discussions is crucial for this development.

Steinmeier will also warn about the mental and health damage caused by social media, especially among young people. He will cite the World Health Organization's findings that more than one in ten young people in Europe exhibit problematic behaviors related to social media use.

In his speech, Steinmeier will call for a debate on the responsibility of social media platform operators. He will highlight the lack of clear accountability in the digital space for hate speech, incitement, and the spread of misinformation. By addressing these issues, Steinmeier aims to foster a safer and healthier online environment for young people in Germany.