Overview
- Karsten Wildberger told dpa he could support an age restriction similar to Australia and called the question of a legal limit more than justified.
- An expert commission convened in autumn is examining age thresholds and school phone rules, with recommendations due by next summer.
- Wildberger also backed stricter smartphone policies in schools, arguing that uninterrupted focus is vital for development and that teachers’ experience should guide decisions.
- Australia’s rule, in force since December 10, bars under‑16s from holding accounts on many major platforms to curb cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content.
- The minister’s latest remarks go further than his September position that emphasized protection rather than outright bans.