German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is open to a social media ban for minors, he said on Wednesday, following similar moves by Australia and other countries to keep young teens off popular platforms.
Merz said he is usually skeptical about prohibitions, but added:
I think the main focus must be on how to protect children at an age when they also need time to play, learn, and concentrate at school.
Speaking on the Machtwechsel podcast, he said his government is considering “various ways of handling it in a more restrictive manner,” including an age limit and requiring platforms to verify users’ ages.
Several nations are tightening age restrictions on social media platforms as concerns mount that excessive screen time could harm childhood development and mental health.
