Children should limit or avoid the use of social media platforms until they reach the age of 13 based on the advice of scientists. - Researchers Advocate: Restriction of Social Media Access for Children Below 13 Years
Germany's National Academy of Sciences Calls for Stricter Social Media Regulations for Children
In a groundbreaking report presented on Wednesday, the Leopoldina, Germany's National Academy of Sciences, has recommended stricter regulations for social media use among children and young people. The academy, which unites expertise from almost all research areas, believes that swift action is required from federal and state governments to address the acute risk posed by social media to young people.
The Leopoldina's report suggests a ban on social media use for children under the age of 13, and age-appropriate restrictions for those aged 13 to 17. The academy recommends that social media should not be usable for children until they are 17 years old.
The report, which extends beyond Germany and includes the European Union (EU), focuses on enabling children and young people to use social media in a sovereign manner, without being overwhelmed by its risks. To achieve this, the academy suggests creating better options for parental co-use and preventing live streaming, push notifications, and endless scrolling for children under 16.
The use of smartphones should be prohibited in educational institutions up to the 10th grade, according to the academy's recommendations. Preventive measures include informing children, young people, and their parents about the benefits, risks, and protective measures in the use of social media, which could be done by pediatricians in the future.
The Leopoldina, based in Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, represents German science in international bodies and has around 1,700 members from over 30 countries. The academy's recommendations come as a response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health, well-being, and development opportunities of children and young people.
It is important to note that no specific information in the provided search results suggests a strict ban on social media use for children under 13 recommended by the National Academy of Sciences in Germany. However, the academy's report does highlight the need for better protection of children and young people in their use of social media.
Existing protective measures in Germany, the EU, and beyond should be made more effective and targeted, according to the paper. For instance, youth media protection in Germany is regulated by bodies like the Bundeszentrale für Kinder- und Jugendmedienschutz and the Youth Protection Act (Jugendschutzgesetz), focusing broadly on age restrictions for various media but not explicitly enforcing a social media ban for under-13s as a current national recommendation.
If you need precise, up-to-date information on specific scientific or governmental recommendations on this topic in Germany, consulting official German health or science academy publications or government announcements directly would be necessary.
[1] Youth Protection in Germany [2] Australia Announces Ban on Social Media Use for Children Under 16 [3] Australia's Social Media Ban for Under-16s to Come into Effect in 2025
- Given the report presented by the Leopoldina, Germany's National Academy of Sciences, it is proposed that stricter regulations for social media be implemented, particularly focusing on age-appropriate restrictions for children and young people, including a possible ban for those under the age of 13 and preventing certain features like live streaming, push notifications, and endless scrolling for children under 16.
- In the realm of health and wellness, with a specific emphasis on mental health, the Leipoldina's report suggests creating better options for parental co-use and implementing stricter community policies for social media, as part of the academy's recommendations for the protection and well-being of children and young people using social media.
