Germany to consider social media ban for children under 16

A bill proposing to ban children and teenagers under 16 from using certain social media platforms is set to be discussed at the upcoming congress of Germany’s ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

The proposal will be reviewed during the party congress scheduled for February 20–21, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

The CDU’s Schleswig-Holstein branch emphasised that the restrictions aim to effectively protect children and adolescents from the effects of hate speech, bullying, psychological pressure, and harmful online content.

If approved, users would be required to verify their age when accessing platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

The proposal in Germany reflects a growing international concern over children's online safety. Similar measures have been introduced or considered in multiple countries.

In line with this trend, Australia introduced a world‑first national law that legally prohibits children under the age of 16 from accessing major social‑media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, with companies facing significant fines if they fail to block under‑16 accounts.

Similarly, Denmark’s government has agreed to ban access to some social media for under‑15s, though parents could allow access for 13‑ and 14‑year‑olds, as part of a broader push to protect children from harmful online exposure.

France has also taken steps in this direction, requiring parental consent for minors under 15 to use social platforms, and discussions continue about stricter bans as part of wider digital safety reforms focused on reducing exposure to harmful content.

Across the Atlantic, United States federal lawmakers have proposed the “Kids Off Social Media Act,” which would bar children under 13 from accessing social platforms and restrict algorithmic recommendations to under‑17s if passed.

Continuing the European trend, Spain has become the latest country to make plans to ban social media for children under the age of 16. 

Meanwhile, in January, the UK government launched a consultation on whether to implement a ban for under‑16s.

By Jeyhun Aghazada