Merz backs idea to ban social media for under 14s
Feb 23rd 2026
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he has "a lot of sympathy" for an SPD proposal to bar social media access for children under 14, ahead of talks among governing politicians starting Friday as Europe debates similar measures to protect young people.
- Merz said on the Machtwechsel podcast he has "a lot of sympathy" for the SPD proposal to ban social media for under-14s.
- The proposal appears in an SPD discussion paper reported by POLITICO.
- Governing politicians will begin discussions on the idea starting Friday.
- Calls for social media limits on children are growing across Europe as policymakers cite concerns for mental and physical health.