Discussion with Dr Anna Lührmann, Member of the Bundestag, on platform regulation

The focus was on issues relating to platform regulation and possible age restrictions for social media. The project resources provided by the EU Youth Dialogue enabled the DBJR secretariat to prepare for and support the discussion.

Two preparatory meetings were held in the run-up to the event to discuss the content. Together, the participants developed key messages for the discussion with the Deputy Chair of the Bundestag Committee on Digital Affairs and State Modernisation. In addition to sharing experiences of engaging with Members of the Bundestag, the main focus was on prioritising key discussion points: young people in self-organised youth organisations are opposed to a blanket age limit on social media platforms. Instead, platform operators must be held more accountable. A key concern is that platforms should be designed in such a way as to ensure the protection of young people without disproportionately restricting their participation and say in the digital sphere.

Beyond these aspects, the discussion also covered how digital tools can be utilised more effectively to promote young people’s digital participation and expand their opportunities for involvement.

The DBJR’s detailed analysis of age limits on social media platforms can be found here: Blanket social media age limits fail to recognise the reality of the digital world.