Hessian Greens also want social media ban for children - Green Party Unveils Bold Plan to Protect Children Online with Stricter Social Media Rules
The Green Party has revealed a comprehensive plan to enhance online safety for children and young people. Their proposals include tougher rules on social media access, expanded education, and robust support services. The move comes as several European countries consider or enforce age restrictions for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Under the Greens' plan, media literacy lessons would commence in daycare centers. Schools would also expand programs to teach children about online risks and responsible internet use. The party argues that early education is crucial to preventing harm.
The Greens want parental consent for 13- to 15-year-olds before they can sign up for social media. They also propose banning features that encourage excessive use, such as autoplay or endless scrolling, for anyone under 18. To enforce rules, they suggest an 'authentic police presence in digital spaces' to monitor platforms and protect young users.
Another idea is the creation of 'digital street workers'—trained professionals who engage with children online, offering advice and support. The party also calls for more offline activities, like sports and youth clubs, to reduce screen time. Counselling services and mental health support would be expanded to help those affected by social media overuse.
The Greens stress that children and teenagers should have a say in shaping these rules. Their approach contrasts with calls from Hesse's Green Party, which opposes a total ban for under-13s. Meanwhile, other German parties, like the CDU and SPD, have proposed setting the minimum age for social media at 14.
Across Europe, age limits are already changing. France will require users to be at least 15 from September 2026. Denmark blocked under-15s in October 2025 but allows supervised access for 13- and 14-year-olds. The EU Parliament voted in November for a minimum age of 16, while Britain's House of Lords backed a similar proposal in January 2026. Germany's National Academy of Sciences, however, recommends no social media accounts for under-13s at all.
The Greens' proposals aim to balance protection with participation, involving young people in decisions about their digital lives. If adopted, the measures would align Germany with broader European trends while introducing new support systems. The debate over age limits and online safety is likely to continue as lawmakers weigh different approaches.
