Advocates call for increased safeguards for youths

In a bid to tackle the growing concerns about the impact of social media on children, Franziska Brantner, the federal chairwoman of the Greens, has proposed a ban on popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram for children and young people under the age of 16.

Brantner's proposal, which she has discussed in interviews with the "Stuttgarter Zeitung" and the "Stuttgarter Nachrichten," highlights her concerns about the addictive nature of social media for children. She believes that the use of these platforms has gotten out of hand and that it's crucial to protect the younger generation from their potential dangers.

Brantner's proposal calls for an age limit on social media use, with the specific age limit set at under 16 years old. She suggests that social media providers might be forced to use "addiction-free algorithms" to enforce this age restriction.

Cem Özdemir, the leading Green Party candidate for the upcoming 2026 Baden-Württemberg state election, supports Brantner's proposal. Özdemir, who was elected with 97 percent of the vote in May 2025, is known for his pragmatic politics. However, there is no specific information about him advocating for age restrictions on social media for children under 16 years in the past.

Özdemir compares the situation to driving a car, where young people are not allowed to start without a driver's license and training. He proposes a gradual introduction to social media, similar to driving lessons for a driver's license.

Brantner continues to emphasize the importance of adequately protecting children and young people from the dangers of social media. She refers to these platforms as "antisocial media" and underlines the need for consistent enforcement of existing rules in the digital space.

Özdemir previously spoke in favour of this ban a few weeks ago, and Brantner's proposal follows this sentiment. It's clear that the Greens are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the digital age.