Usage patterns and experiences reported by the children and young people involved reflect the representative picture of 12- to 19-year-olds in Germany described by the JIM Study 2025. Their needs, expressed in a total of 70 recommendations in the following report, cover a broad spectrum. They reveal a tension between a clearly articulated need for protection and the desire for reliable and competent persons to talk to on the one hand, and an equally clearly expressed need for autonomy and the desire for empowerment and self-regulation on the other. They attribute improvements in individual skills, opportunities for social interaction, relaxation and entertainment to the use of digital services, having a positive impact on young people’s well-being and self-esteem.
For 12- to 17-year-olds, schools and teachers play a crucial role in developing the skills needed to navigate the digital environment. With regard to younger children, they suggest exposure to digital media and teaching of basic digital competencies should begin as early as preschool. To help them cope with the challenges they face in the digital environment, children are looking for adults in both educational institutions and the family environment having the necessary knowledge and showing empathy and an understanding of the significance the digital environment has for young people. The extent to which children and adolescents view their parents as fulfilling this role also depends on the family’s educational background and socioeconomic status. Young people growing up in more disadvantaged environments should be regarded as particularly vulnerable, not least because they often lack adequate support within the family.
The children and adolescents taking part place responsibility for ensuring a safe and age-appropriate digital environment primarily on platform providers. They have concrete suggestions how potential harms can be reduced and risks avoided. These are reflected in particular in recommendations 1 and 2, 14, 18–25, 27–34, 36–38, 40–43, 50–54, and 66–68, many of which are aligned with the guidelines according to Article 28 (4) of the Digital Services Act. At the same time, they want to be involved in shaping the digital environment and to have greater control over their own online experiences.
Regarding possible bans on social media use for certain age groups, the participants are, overall, cautious and critical. In their view, the priority should be to enable young people to use digital services and to educate them about potential risks. In their opinion bans would more likely increase the appeal of using risky services than help to achieve the desired protective effect.
The report is available for download below.