The majority of residents in Germany are in favor of banning social media use for individuals under 16, a measure that will soon be implemented in Australia.
According to a YouGov survey, the overwhelming majority of about 2,000 respondents believe that social media can have a negative impact on children and teenagers. Approximately 77% of respondents said they would support similar legislation in Germany if it were passed. Thirteen percent of respondents were opposed to the ban, while the remaining participants were unsure. Additionally, 82% of respondents are confident or somewhat confident that social media has a harmful effect on young people.
Among the reasons for this harm, people cited both the influence of content and the potential for social media addiction. According to the survey, 52% believe that both factors play an equal role. At the same time, 9% of respondents are convinced that social media does not harm young people.
The new law in Australia, passed last week with support from all major political parties, introduces fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (30.5 million euros, 32 million US dollars) for social media platforms that allow children under 16 to create accounts.
