Germany is considering restricting social media for children

The study, the data of which was published by the DAK-Gesundheit health insurance company, states that addiction is gradually increasing. According to this, about 350,000 children and young people have a pathological use of social media. This is manifested, for example, by being late for school, low grades, sleep disorders and other symptoms accompanying the loss of self-control.

The study found that children and youth spend an average of 2.7 hours on social media on a typical weekday, and 3.3 hours on weekends.

“We need to act quickly to protect and strengthen our children,” concluded the organization that implemented the study, adding that only age restrictions are not enough, more active media literacy development training is also needed.

The two parties in Germany’s coalition government are discussing options to limit children’s access to social media.

Spain, France and Slovenia announced their intention to ban social networks for minors. In Australia, the ban came into effect in December 2025.