BERLIN, Germany’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) is advocating for a sweeping reform of how young people access social media. In a new policy paper, the party called for a complete ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 14, citing growing concerns over online addiction, mental health, and the safety of minors in digital spaces.
The SPD’s proposal also recommends the introduction of a mandatory “youth version” of social media platforms. This version would strip away features designed to maximize engagement, such as endless scrolling, algorithm-driven recommendations, and addictive notifications. The party believes these changes could foster healthier online habits while still allowing teenagers to engage safely with digital communities.
“Children and early teens are particularly vulnerable to manipulative design practices used by major platforms,” the policy paper states. “It is our duty to protect them from psychological harm while promoting responsible digital participation.”
The plan comes amid a broader European debate over children’s online safety. Several countries, including the UK and France, have already introduced regulations targeting digital addiction and data privacy for minors. The SPD’s proposal could position Germany as a leader in the movement to regulate social media use among young people.
Industry groups, however, have raised concerns about implementation, arguing that enforcing a complete ban for under-14s could be challenging and may push minors to use VPNs or other workarounds to access restricted platforms. The SPD insists that clear regulations, combined with cooperation from tech companies, will be essential for the policy’s success.
The party plans to push the proposal in the upcoming legislative session, sparking what promises to be a heated debate over digital rights, child protection, and the responsibilities of social media companies in Germany and across Europe.
