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Social media use has long been part of the everyday lives of most children and adolescents. Many of them exhibit risky, and in some cases even addictive, behaviour. While social media use can certainly have positive effects for young people, intensive use can negatively impact mental, emotional, and social well-being, leading to symptoms such as depression and anxiety, impaired attention, and sleep problems. In the discussion paper “Social Media and the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents” published by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the researchers involved therefore recommend applying the precautionary principle.
They give policy recommendations to protect children and adolescents from the negative effects of social media, for example by setting a minimum age for access or by restricting certain functions. The paper was published on 13 August 2025 and an English translation is now available.
The discussion paper provides insight into current research on the influence of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents. Most of the available evidence is correlative and of a non-causal nature. Cross-sectional studies show an association between social media use and increased mental health burdens. Some longitudinal studies also suggest that intensive social media use can be the cause of these burdens. The authors therefore advocate using the precautionary principle, according to which preventive measures should be undertaken when there are indications of potentially negative effects, even if the magnitude of the actual risk has not yet been scientifically established.
The authors claim that policies are needed to protect children and adolescents, because intensive social media use poses considerable risks. The researchers involved in the paper set out specific recommendations for action in order to protect children and adolescents from the risks posed by social media use, while simultaneously enabling them to engage with social media in a reflective and competent manner. They recommend that children under 13 should not be permitted to open social media accounts. 13- to 15-year-olds should only be allowed to use social media in accordance with legally required parental permission. In addition, social media for 13- to 17-year-olds should function in an age-appropriate way, for example with respect to algorithmic content suggestions, a ban on personalised advertising, and the prohibition of addictive functions such as push messages or infinite scrolling. The researchers also recommend banning smartphone use in daycare centres and schools up to and including grade 10.
The discussion paper also explains how age limits and age-appropriate restrictions could be implemented on social media, with regulation at the EU level being a key option. They recommend that the German government advocate for such regulation at the EU level. One highly promising approach is the already planned introduction of the “EUDI wallet”, which will enable a digital proof of age in line with data protection regulations. To promote an informed approach to social media, the authors suggest embedding a digital education curriculum in daycare centres and schools to prepare children and adolescents for challenges related to digital life. Teaching and childcare staff should be trained to recognise and address risky or addictive behaviour at an early stage. In addition, low-threshold public health campaigns should inform families about the impact of social media on mental health and possibilities to positively shape social media use. Further research is needed to better understand social media use among this age group and to evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures.
The discussion paper “Social Media and the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents” is published on the Leopoldina website: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/socialmedia-children
Publications in the “Leopoldina Discussion” series are contributions by the authors named. With its discussion papers, the Academy offers researchers the opportunity to provide thought-provoking impulses, stimulate discourse, and formulate recommendations flexibly and without a formal working group process. The theses and recommendations contained in discussion papers thus do not reflect the official positions of the Leopoldina.
As suggested by the Leopoldina Focus Group Digitalisation, the discussion paper was prepared by an interdisciplinary working group. More on the Focus Group Digitalisation: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/policy-advice/focus-groups/digitalisation/
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About the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina:
As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. With around 1,700 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, it was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good.
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