(de-news.net) – A newly established expert commission, convened by the German federal government, is tasked with evaluating potential legislative measures such as prohibiting mobile phone use in primary schools and restricting access to social media platforms for individuals under the age of sixteen. This initiative fulfills a provision of the coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD, and was formally introduced in Berlin by Family Minister Kristina Prien (CDU).
The commission comprises 18 members drawn from the fields of media law, media education, pediatric medicine, and educational research. It is jointly chaired by psychologist Olaf Köller, scientific director at the Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education in Kiel, and former CDU Bundestag member Nadine Schön. Federal representatives responsible for media affairs, addiction policy, and child abuse prevention will participate in an advisory capacity. Although minors are not directly represented within the commission, Minister Prien emphasized their inclusion through contemporary participatory mechanisms. The commission is scheduled to meet bi-monthly and aims to present its findings by the conclusion of the parliamentary summer recess in 2026.
The commission’s mandate includes the formulation of actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and parents. Minister Prien cited concerns regarding the extensive online engagement of minors—often exceeding thirty hours per week—which may adversely affect their cognitive performance and overall well-being. Schön advocated for a balanced discourse that acknowledges both the risks and opportunities of digital media, while Köller underscored the urgency of addressing the issue from a scientific standpoint to prevent societal disengagement from youth in digital environments.
Implementation challenges were acknowledged, particularly concerning age-based social media restrictions. Michael Terhörst, head of the initiative for enforcing children’s rights in digital services (KidD), raised legal objections, referencing the EU-wide obligations under the Digital Services Act, which mandates uniform standards across member states.
Internationally, Australia is currently piloting a ban on social media use for individuals under sixteen, and Germany’s National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has similarly endorsed age-dependent regulatory frameworks.
