German Green Party politician Cem Özdemir has called for a nationwide ban on social media use for under-16s, sparking backlash, particularly from younger voters.
The former agriculture minister and lead candidate in next year’s Baden-Württemberg state election argued platforms like TikTok and Instagram should only be accessible from age 16, comparing the restriction to driving licence rules.
Özdemir said children must learn responsible smartphone use under close supervision and dismissed claims such limits are unenforceable, suggesting possible checks.
“We don’t let toddlers drink alcohol,” he said, adding that society should not allow unsupervised online access at an early age either.
