Germany’s doctors are calling for a ban on social media for children and young people under the age of 16. In light of growing concerns about the health consequences of digital media, the German Medical Association in Hanover advocated significantly stricter rules, as the German Medical Association announced.
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Platform operators would also have to better protect young users from addiction-promoting algorithms, harmful content, cyberbullying and grooming.
When screen time makes you sick
Digital media are an integral part of young people’s everyday lives and offer opportunities for education, communication and participation. At the same time, there are increasing health risks due to excessive or addictive use of social media, digital games, streaming offers and other platforms, according to a resolution.
Excessive media consumption can have a negative impact on language development, attention, sleep, motor development and social and emotional maturation. The doctors explained that the aim of stricter rules is not to exclude children and young people from digital participation. Rather, age-appropriate use of digital offerings should be promoted together with parents and schools.
The Medical Association also called on the legislature to expand prevention, early detection and treatment of problematic media use among children and young people.
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