Minors under the age of 16 will be restricted from accessing social media platforms, according to the decision made by Özdemir. - Minor under 16 years old will be barred from using social media by Özdemir's decision.
In Germany, a heated debate is underway regarding the appropriate age limits for popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, particularly for children under 16. Despite growing concerns about the potential harms associated with these platforms, such as anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and exposure to predators, no nationwide legal age ban has been established yet.
The European Union (EU) has been grappling with similar issues, with several countries proposing bans for children below certain ages. However, the European Commission currently does not plan an EU-wide ban, leaving the regulation of social media access to national governments.
In Germany, the discussion focuses on striking a balance between protecting children from potential harm and addressing practical enforcement challenges. A recent survey revealed that many German parents permit early smartphone and social media use but restrict access depending on age, often seeking clearer guidelines and support. The industry association Bitkom has highlighted parental concern and called for digital media skills education and family rules to supervise children’s media use effectively.
Recently, Green politician Cem Özdemir proposed a ban on unaccompanied use of social media platforms for children and young people under the age of 16. Özdemir, who met with young people in Stuttgart, believes that an age limit of 16 years old would provide children and young people with the opportunity to learn to handle smartphones and media responsibly under supervision.
However, Özdemir's proposal has faced criticism. The CDU's education expert, Andreas Sturm, has accused Özdemir of acting as a "super sheriff" regarding the proposed social media ban. Additionally, the SPD politician's Fraktion chief, Hans-Ulrich Ruelke, has suggested that education and empowerment in the use of social media are preferable to a ban.
A representative survey by YouGov in June found that more than 70 percent of people in Germany wish for a minimum age for access to social media like Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok. The survey also indicated that 57 percent of respondents supported a minimum age of 16 years for the use of social media, while 16 percent even spoke out in favor of a minimum age of 18 years.
As the debate continues, platforms hosting adult content, including Twitter, have faced scrutiny under strict European Digital Services Act age verification rules introduced in July 2025. These rules reflect wider regulatory pressures on digital platforms to enforce age restrictions more effectively.
Australia has already decided on a ban for children to use platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram from the age of 16. As the German debate unfolds, it remains to be seen whether a similar approach will be taken in the near future. The European Union is also expected to address this issue at the will of the Danish presidency.
One potential solution to enforce age limits suggested by Jonas Hoffmann, the SPD digital politician, is age verification through an ID card. However, critics argue that age limits cannot be effectively controlled, a claim that Özdemir does not accept. Young people who met with Özdemir expressed support for clear rules and felt often overwhelmed by social media.
In conclusion, Germany is in the midst of an ongoing debate about protecting children under 16 on social media, with no fixed legal age ban implemented at the federal level. Policymakers are under pressure to strengthen age verification and parental support, but any comprehensive age restrictions remain a topic for future national legislation rather than immediate binding law.
The Commission is proposing to extend the period of validity of the agreement to cover the area of social-media regulation, considering the ongoing debate in Germany about appropriate age limits for platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In the entertainment sector, the growing concerns about anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and exposure to predators in social media usage among children under 16 call for stricter regulations or age limits.
