Regulation: yes, bans: no
In 2025, Australia became the first country to pass a law banning under-16s from accessing social media. Germany is also debating potential age restrictions. The research team behind the “Leben in Deutschland” study took this as an opportunity to conduct a brief survey on the topic.
The result: A large majority (90 percent) view social media as a risk for children and adolescents, but 63 percent also see opportunities in it. More than half of those surveyed see both risks and opportunities. Most support bans for children under the age of twelve and in schools, while 71 percent of people oppose a ban until the age of 16, as is the case in Australia.
In 2025, a commission of scientific experts pointed out that children and adolescents in Germany are exposed to significant risks to their health, well-being, and development as a result of social media use. A commission of the Ministry of Family Affairs is currently drafting recommendations for legislation in Germany.