Over half of Germans support a ban on online networks for minors, according to a recent poll. - Online Poll Shows Majority of Germans Supporting Web Block for Juvenile Internet Users
In a significant move aimed at protecting children and youth in the digital world, German Federal Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has called for stricter age restrictions on popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Minister Prien's proposal includes the introduction of stricter age restrictions and a minimum age for the use of these platforms. While the exact age limit is yet to be determined, her advocacy aligns with a broader political trend favouring minimum ages similar to Australia's current law, which bans social media access for under-16s.
The minister emphasises the responsibility of internet companies to implement these stricter age checks and create safer digital environments for young people. This approach is motivated by concerns over misinformation, online hate, bullying, and potentially harmful content that minors may encounter on these platforms.
Last week, Minister Prien announced she would examine stricter rules regarding online networks for youth. In line with this, an expert commission on child and youth protection in the digital world is set to begin its work in the coming weeks, as announced by the ministry. The commission will likely examine stricter rules for online networks regarding youth protection.
The debate surrounding similar proposals has been ongoing, with some politicians and experts advocating for a minimum age of 16, as in Australia. However, this is not yet a settled policy in Germany.
According to a recent survey, over half of Germans support an online network ban for youth, while 41 percent oppose such a ban. The minister's proposal, therefore, reflects a significant portion of public sentiment.
As the expert commission begins its work, the focus will be on finding effective solutions to protect children and youth in the digital world while recognising the need for their digital participation under safe conditions.
- The Commission, during its work on child and youth protection in the digital world, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of young people, which could include stricter age restrictions for online education and self-development platforms like TikTok and Instagram, in line with Minister Prien's call for stricter age restrictions on popular social media platforms.
- As the debate about protecting young people in the digital sphere continues, policy-and-legislation surrounding online education and learning is likely to be a key focus, given the rapid growth of online networks and the concerns about misinformation, online hate, bullying, and potentially harmful content that minors may encounter on these platforms.
- In the context of the ongoing discussions about stricter rules for online networks regarding youth protection, the general-news media will monitor the progress of the Commission's work closely, as their deliberations could lead to significant changes in policy-and-legislation related to education-and-self-development, online-education, and digital participation for young people.
