Hessian Greens also want social media ban for children - Germany's political divide over stricter social media age limits intensifies
Political parties in Germany are debating stricter age limits for social media use. The Greens in Hesse's state parliament want a ban for children under 13, while the CDU at federal level supports raising the minimum age to 14. Meanwhile, two states have already put forward concrete proposals for a 16-year restriction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
The Greens in Hesse have outlined a 13-point plan to regulate young people's social media use. Their proposals include a complete ban for under-13s, parental consent for 13- to 15-year-olds, and stricter controls on features that encourage addictive behaviour for under-18s. The party also wants children and teenagers to have a direct say in shaping these rules.
In addition, the Greens are calling for more support services. Their plan includes 'digital street workers'—specialists who engage with young people online—and expanded offline activities to reduce screen time. They also propose better media literacy education from daycare age and stronger counselling for mental health risks linked to social media.
At the federal level, the CDU has pushed for a 14-year minimum age. Meanwhile, the SPD has made similar suggestions, though no fixed age has been set. Two states have gone further: Nordrhein-Westfalen's Minister President Hendrik Wüst is advocating a 16-year limit, hoping for cross-party agreement with the SPD. Schleswig-Holstein's CDU branch has also proposed a 16-year restriction, with mandatory age checks, for debate at the federal party congress.
Not all parties agree. Bavaria's CSU has dismissed the idea of a ban, calling the discussion unrealistic. The debate follows studies showing that many children develop risky or addictive habits on platforms like TikTok, leading to issues such as sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
The Greens' detailed proposals focus on both restrictions and support, while the CDU and SPD back higher age limits. Two states have already drafted laws for a 16-year minimum. With research highlighting the mental health risks of early social media use, the pressure for regulation is growing—but opposition remains.
