Germany: Social Democrats demand a ban on social networks for children under 14 years of age

“Social networks would be completely prohibited for those under the age of 14, and for those aged between 14 and 16, we require the use of social networks without a system of rewards and recommendations according to algorithms,” reads the document of the representative club of the SPD, as reported by the media.

Likewise, in versions for young people between 14 and 16 years of age, the automatic display of content would be prohibited. Access would also be possible for those over 16 years old. only with the permission of a parent or guardian.

“We can no longer ignore the fact that we have restrictions when it comes to social networks,” said SPD president and vice chancellor Lars Klingbeil. He concluded that the “highest priority” is the defense of young people from harmful content on the Internet.

The larger coalition partner of the SPD, the Christian Democratic Union CDU/CU, rejected blanket bans and restrictions, but also demanded a certain degree of regulation of access for minors.

“We need better mechanisms to prevent addiction,” said Anja Weisberger, vice president of the Democratic Representative Club.

The association of teaching staff believes that banning the use of social networks for children under 14 “is neither enforceable nor pedagogically meaningful”.

For the time being, the German government did not want to comment on possible bans and pointed to a commissioned study entitled “Protection of children and young people in the digital world”, which should be presented in the following months.