German ministers discuss social media ban for minors with students

German Federal Education Minister Karin Prien and Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig engaged in a discussion with high school students in Potsdam regarding the protection of minors online and the role of social media. Both ministers strongly advocated for holding social media platforms more accountable for preventing children from accessing harmful content. Prien emphasized the necessity of effective legal regulation, stating that platforms must ensure children below a certain age cannot access dangerous material. While Prien did not specify an age, Hubig mentioned the possibility of a social media ban for those under 14, introducing youth versions for ages 14-16, and lifting restrictions from age 16 onwards. Hubig reassured the students that discussions about social media bans do not imply a general prohibition on internet use. She stressed the importance of internet and AI literacy for young people living in the 21st century. Prien highlighted the serious health consequences, such as cyberbullying, hate speech, and sexualized content, that social media can have on children and adolescents, underscoring the need to protect younger users. As children get older, Prien noted, they can be empowered to protect themselves, which requires developing their competencies, potentially through teacher training. The discussion, held at the Dalton-Gymnasium and involving students from seventh to tenth grades, focused on "Participation, Empowerment, and Protection in the Digital Space." Nationally, a proposal for a ban on social media for children under 14 is under consideration. An expert commission established by Prien is expected to present its findings before the end of June. Recent polling indicates significant public support for such a measure, with 66 percent of Germans favoring a ban for children under 14.