A collective of scientific organizations has issued a new statement urging stricter age limits for digital media, emphasizing the potential health risks for children and adolescents. This call comes amid ongoing discussions in Germany regarding a ban on social media usage among younger populations. The statement was developed by an expert working group led by Professor Andrea Reiter, who heads the Professorship of Psychotherapy and Intervention Psychology at the University of Würzburg.
The statement, drafted by the German Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (DGKJP), has garnered support from various professional associations in the fields of child and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatics, and psychotherapy. It draws on current research, international recommendations, and insights from neurobiology and developmental psychology. Despite acknowledging the opportunities presented by digitalization, the document highlights significant risks that digital services pose to the mental, social, and physical development of young people.
Recommendations for Child Protection
The associations specifically identify infants, preschoolers, and schoolchildren up to the age of 14 as particularly vulnerable to these risks. They advocate for clear age limits regarding smartphones, social media platforms, and AI chatbots. Furthermore, the statement calls for the elimination of manipulative design mechanisms, the establishment of binding media concepts in educational settings, and increased responsibility from digital service providers.
Professor Reiter emphasizes the need for further research, stating, “The study situation is still limited, especially when it comes to children. So far, we can describe possible correlations, but cannot make any causal statements.” In light of this, the associations recommend that infants and young children should have minimal exposure to screens, allowing exceptions only for video calls with family members or digital picture frames.
To enhance safety, the statement suggests that all screen devices should bear clear labels, such as: “Not suitable for children aged 0-3 years – the Federal Minister of Health recommends: This screen is harmful to the development of your infant and toddler.” Furthermore, it calls for standardized guidelines across daycare centers, prohibiting screens for children aged 0-3 years and permitting only supervised media use for those aged 4-5 years.
Concerns Over Early Smartphone Use
Recent studies highlighted in the statement reveal that children in Germany are acquiring smartphones at increasingly younger ages. This early ownership is correlated with heightened risks of depression, sleep issues, and obesity during adolescence. The associations assert that digital games should only be permitted with effective age verification and should not allow contact with unknown individuals.
In addition, there is a strong push for a revival of traditional leisure activities, as many children are reportedly spending less time outdoors and engaging in reading less frequently. The statement also expresses concern over manipulative design tactics, such as “dark patterns,” which include loot boxes in video games and personalized advertisements. These practices should be prohibited for minors, according to the recommendations.
In educational environments, the associations advocate for a ban on personal smartphones during school hours, suggesting that educationally managed devices should take their place. The statement, titled “Use of Digital Media and the Mental Health of Children and Young People,” is available for further reading in German.
As discussions around these recommendations continue, the emphasis remains on protecting the health and well-being of the younger generation in an increasingly digital world.
