In Bad Segeberg, the proposed ban on social media for children and youth under 16 is under intense discussion. Young people and parents express differing opinions, while Schleswig-Holstein's Minister President Daniel Günther supports it. The question of feasibility remains central.
The debate over a social media ban for those under 16 has reached Bad Segeberg. Local reports note that young people and parents hold opposing views. A key question is whether such a ban is feasible.
Minister President Daniel Günther has stated he would vote for it. The approach aims to protect children from cyberbullying, addiction mechanisms, and toxic beauty ideals. However, KN reporter Karolin Nemitz comments that the proposal, despite its good intentions, is impractical. Young people growing up with digital technology easily bypass age restrictions using VPNs, false age entries, or parents' accounts. This drives them into uncontrolled spaces.
Nemitz also notes that age verification via facial recognition, as discussed in Australia, has limits. Youth who appear older pass checks; others use fake data or siblings' IDs. A ban would relieve tech companies of responsibility, as they invest too little in safety. Instead, she advocates sanctions on platforms for hate speech or fake news.
