Politician Özdemir proposes imposing an age limit on social media platforms
German Green Politician Advocates for Age Limit on Social Media Use
German Green Party's top candidate in the upcoming Baden-Württemberg state election, Cem Özdemir, has called for stricter regulations on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram. Özdemir is advocating for a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, comparing the proposed age limit to the regulation of driving licenses.
In his campaign speeches in Stuttgart, Özdemir emphasized the importance of teaching responsible smartphone use under close supervision. He argues that just as society does not allow toddlers to drink alcohol, unsupervised online access at an early age should also be prohibited.
Özdemir acknowledges the challenge parents face in keeping up with their children's tech-savviness, but believes that if the operators of social media programs forbid their own children from using them, it should be a concern for everyone. He also stated that youth have expressed a need for clear rules on social media, as they often feel overwhelmed by the content and lack adult supervision.
A study indicates that children as young as seven already use smartphones, providing context about the age of children using digital platforms. However, Özdemir did not specify which social media platforms he is referring to, beyond TikTok and Instagram, which he mentioned earlier in his speech.
The discussion revolves around the need for stricter regulations on social media usage for children and youth, with Özdemir suggesting measures for checks to enforce the age limits. He believes that social media should be banned for children and youth under 16 years old, aiming to promote media competence and protect them from unregulated exposure.
Özdemir's call for a 16-year age limit for social media platforms echoes the need for greater responsibility in the digital age. As the debate continues, it is clear that parents, teachers, and schools have a role to play in managing social media for children and youth, alongside stricter regulations.
- The German Green Party's candidate, Cem Özdemir, has advocated for the implementation of an employment policy that requires social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, to adhere to stricter regulations, including a nationwide ban on their usage by children under 16 years old.
- As technology advances and children as young as seven are already using smartphones, there is a growing need for policy-and-legislation that addresses the appropriate use of social media, particularly in the area of entertainment.
- In the debate surrounding the age limit on social media use, Özdemir's call for stricter regulations highlights the importance of responsible social-media usage and emphasizes the role of adults, including parents, teachers, and schools, in promoting media competence and protecting children and youth from unregulated online content.
