EU survey shows: Young people view social media significantly more positively than their parents

Parents, by contrast, express themselves considerably more reservedly according to the survey. Among other things, they fear effects on their children's ability to concentrate, their mental health, and their sleep. They also see risks from problematic content and the handling of personal data. These concerns are reflected in lower approval of the platforms.

Context within the political debate

The EU Commission views the survey as a contribution to evidence-based policy. It is to feed into the ongoing discussions about possible age limits, transparency obligations, and protective mechanisms for minors. In Brussels, a possible ban on social media use for under-16-year-olds has been debated for months, one that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has addressed on several occasions. The survey now provides data that can be incorporated into this debate.

The topic is also present in individual member states. In Austria, which is mentioned comparatively frequently in the report, stricter rules are likewise being discussed. Germany is following the European efforts closely, while at the same time pointing to existing national regulations on the protection of children and young people in media. The EU survey could increase pressure on national legislators to further develop their protective concepts.

At the same time, experts emphasise that a mere juxtaposition of the assessments does not fully capture the complexity. Perceptions depend heavily on the age of the young people, the platform used, and the social environment. The role-model effect of parents in their handling of digital media is also addressed in the analysis. The Commission announced that further analyses would follow.

Reactions and next steps

The survey also shows that conversations within the family about social media are not a matter of course. Many young people stated that they rarely discuss such topics with their parents. Conversely, parents said they often have only a superficial familiarity with the services used. This finding is interpreted by the Commission as an indication of an increased need for education and shared rules in everyday family life.

For the coming months, observers expect the results to feed into the ongoing legislative process. The EU Commission has already announced that the protection of minors in the digital space will be a focus of the coming term of office. The data now presented provide a broad empirical basis on which political decisions can rest.