CDU Advocates Social Media Ban for Children Under 14

At its latest party congress, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has called for stricter regulations on the use of social media by minors. The party has proposed that the German government introduce a legal minimum age of 14 for accessing social networking platforms. This move follows previous hesitancy within the party regarding age restrictions, but recent discussions and growing concerns over the safety of children online have led to a clear consensus.

The CDU's newly adopted resolution emphasizes the necessity for age-appropriate and responsible digital maturation. It highlights that children and young people require special protection in digital environments. The party is urging the federal government to not only set a minimum age of 14 for social media use but also to develop additional protective measures for users up to 16 years old. This includes strengthening media literacy programs in schools, with a particular focus on issues such as cyberbullying, digital manipulation, and the influence of algorithms.

Additionally, the CDU is advocating for mandatory, enhanced education on digital topics within the school curriculum. By equipping students with the tools to navigate digital spaces safely, the party aims to enable a healthy and informed approach to technology and online interaction.

Parallel to its digital policy recommendations, the CDU also places importance on traditional, offline social environments. The party is urging federal, state, and local authorities to support clubs, youth organizations, sporting activities, cultural initiatives, and church youth work. These efforts are intended to create and reinforce real-world spaces for social interaction, providing children and adolescents with opportunities beyond the digital realm.

To ensure compliance with the proposed age restrictions, the CDU proposes that technology companies implement robust age verification systems. The party considers current methods, such as self-declaration or simple click-through age confirmations, insufficient. Instead, it suggests that platform operators be legally required to introduce effective and reliable age-checking mechanisms. In addition, the CDU is calling for increased transparency from technology companies, particularly regarding how their recommendation algorithms function and their impact on democratic discourse. The party also wants illegal content to be removed more swiftly to improve user safety and protection.

The CDU's resolution is not the only call for tighter regulation of social media access for young people. The Social Democratic Party (SPD) had previously demanded a social media ban for children under 14, with platform operators responsible for technically blocking access for this age group. For teenagers aged 14 to 16, the SPD has suggested the creation of dedicated youth versions of platforms with enhanced safety features.

Internationally, similar measures have already been enacted. In December 2025, Australia introduced a law prohibiting children under 16 from having accounts on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, or YouTube. Messaging services like WhatsApp remain exempt from this regulation. In Europe, debates about introducing comparable rules are underway in several countries, including France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

In a related development, CDU delegates have also backed restrictions on mobile phone usage in schools. The party has called for mandatory protection zones across all schools up to the 10th grade, where the private use of digital devices is prohibited during lessons and breaks. This measure is designed to encourage focus and interpersonal interaction among students during the school day.

The CDU's comprehensive approach reflects growing concerns among policymakers, educators, and parents about the risks associated with early and unsupervised use of digital platforms by minors. By proposing a combination of legislative measures, educational initiatives, and support for offline activities, the party aims to foster a balanced and secure environment for children's development in the digital age.