The impact of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents is a growing concern for society. In a discussion paper published in July 2025, the German National Academy of Sciences (Deutsche Akademie der Naturforscher Leopoldina e.V.) described the current situation as part of a „global mental health crisis“ affecting young people. The paper set out concrete recommendations for action to address this challenge.
Based on previous studies of the usage of digital media by young people, the researchers conclude that, although correlations are apparent, a clear causal link with mental health issues has yet to be established. Given the existing evidence and the potential irreversibility of mental health issues affecting children and adolescents, the researchers advocate applying the precautionary principle. This principle states that preventive measures are justified to counteract potential negative developments in a timely manner. In addition, the researchers argue that the rapid pace of technological progress means scientific knowledge cannot keep up with the speed of innovation in digital applications. They recommend conducting timely research to clarify the possible link between social media use and mental health, in terms of both correlation and causation. As a guiding principle, they refer national and EU policymakers to Article 17 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. According to the article, children should be protected from potential dangers while also having their right to participate guaranteed. As social media can have positive effects, young people should be empowered to use it confidently, reflectively, and competently.
An overview of the recommendations:
The recommendations are interrelated and take a holistic approach, encompassing regulatory measures, measures for educational institutions, public awareness campaigns and measures to strengthen independent research.
Prohibitions and age limits on digital services: The Leopoldina discussion paper recommends that children under the age of 13 should be restricted to use social media at all. For those between the ages of 13 and 16, creating a user account should only be permitted with parental consent. In all cases, it is essential to verify that the minimum age requirement is met and that appropriate parental approval has been secured.
Parental supervision is recommended for younger adolescents: For adolescents aged 13 to 15, it is recommended that parents actively supervise their use of social media. This approach aims to support their evolving capacities and help them gradually develop the skills needed for independent and responsible participation in the digital world.
Age verification systems: In order to implement the proposed age limits, a digital infrastructure for age verification should be put in place. This requires a "reliable, secure and privacy-friendly technical solution". The European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI Wallet), which is set to become mandatory in all EU member states from 2026, should play a central role in this process.
Designing digital services to be age-appropriate: Social media services should be designed with young users aged 13-17 years in mind. This includes reducing the range of functions available to minors, particularly with regard to algorithmically controlled content and recommendations, personalised advertising, and contact and interaction options. The researchers also highlight the guidelines issued in July 2025 under Article 28(4) of the European Commission’s Digital Services Act, which outline concrete measures to enhance the protection of minors in the digital environment.
Risk analysis of new features and functions: Before introducing new features, service operators should conduct an empirical risk analysis and provide clear evidence that the features are safe for young users.
Restrictions on smartphone use in schools: The use of smartphones by children and young people up to and including Year 11 in educational institutions should be discouraged.
Media literacy teaching: Educational institutions in Germany, including daycare centres and schools, should establish an interdisciplinary digital educational canon that is integrated across subjects. This canon should address key aspects of digital life with the goal of enabling children and young people to use social media confidently and thoughtfully. It also aims to foster a solid understanding of both the opportunities and risks that digitalisation presents in our society.
Education and awareness: It is recommended that a public health campaign be launched to inform children, young people, and parents about the opportunities, risks, and precautionary measures associated with social media use. The campaign should offer clear guidance on responsible usage, highlight both the short- and long-term consequences of problematic consumption, and provide practical, age-appropriate rules to support parents and young users navigate social media safely and effectively.
Contextualising the risks: The researchers stress that the mental health risks associated with social media use among young people, as outlined in the discussion paper, should not be considered in isolation. Instead, these risks must be understood within the broader context of significant economic, technological, and geopolitical upheavals that shape the lives and upbringing of children and adolescents. They argue that protecting young people should be part of a comprehensive German and European strategy for digital resilience and sovereignty, ensuring that political and personal agency is preserved in the digital age.
The Leopoldina publication is available in the Background section and can also be accessed here.