US EditionGermany’s Merz open to social media ban for minors
Chancellor Merz supports age limits on social media for minors due to evidence of harm, noting 14-year-olds spend 5.5 hours daily online, with a commission report expected this year.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports banning social media access for minors and is considering ways to enforce age limits and mandatory age verification to protect children's development and concentration in school.
- Merz has expressed concerns about social media's impact on children, noting that minors spend around five or more hours daily on these platforms, which can lead to social behavior problems.
- Several countries, including Australia, France, the UK, and parts of Europe, have introduced or are considering laws to restrict social media use for minors, typically setting age limits around 14 to 16.
- US President Donald Trump is informed about the issue and, through his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, has shown openness to some regulation to limit children's screen time and social media exposure.
80 Articles
80 Articles
Germany Considers Social Media Restrictions for Kids
Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports social media controls for children in Germany, highlighting concerns over fake news and online manipulation. As similar restrictions gain traction in Europe, Merz's coalition partners also back the move. The federal push may face challenges due to state-level media regulation responsibilities.
kreiszeitung.de
To ban social media, or not? While some countries are already restricting Instagram and other platforms, the debate continues in Germany. A pro and con discussion by Lisa Mayerhofer and Nils Thomas Hinsberger.
Trump Mulls Social Media Ban for Minors.
PULSE POINTSWHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump is considering whether to impose restrictions on social media for minors, following similar actions taken by other nations.WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Lara Trump, and bipartisan members of Congress.WHEN & WHERE: Discussions ongoing as of February 2026.KEY QUOTE: “I’m not much of one for regulating things, but I would be very happy with a little bit of regulatio…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
