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Scholz: Positive on Restrictions on the Age Limit of German Users on Social Media

Published February 18, 2026, 14:09
Scholz: Positive on Restrictions on the Age Limit of German Users on Social Media

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expresses a positive attitude towards restricting access to social media for children and adolescents. The discussion arose following a proposal from SPD MPs, and comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of prolonged screen time on the psychosocial development of young people. Scholz emphasizes that excessive engagement with social media can lead to personality deficits and socialization problems. Although generally hesitant about bans, he believes that protecting children is a priority, emphasizing the need for time for play, learning and concentration at school. Proposals to introduce a minimum age (16 years) for the use of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, as well as to ensure age verification, have been submitted by the CDU Schleswig-Holstein. The SPD parliamentary group proposes a complete ban on access under the age of 14 and a “special edition” for adolescents up to 16 years old, without algorithmic recommendations. Chancellor Scholz points out that digital education is necessary, but questions the view that familiarity with social media ensures control, comparing it to providing alcohol to minors in order to get them 'used to it'.