The findings are particularly relevant considering international developments: yesterday, a far-reaching social media ban for under-16s came into force in Australia – a move that has sparked global discussions about the protection of young people in the digital space.
‘Australia has banned the use of social media for under-16s, and such a ban is also currently being intensively discussed in Germany,’ says Prof. Dr Julia Brailovskaia from the FBZ and DZPG. ‘Findings from the DZPG's German Health Barometer show that almost half of young Germans exhibit symptoms of addiction that can impair their mental health.’
Pronounced addiction tendency – especially among young people
According to the internationally recognised Bergen Social Media Scale, more than a quarter (27.6 per cent) of users show addictive use of social media. Women are slightly more affected than men (29 per cent compared to 25.4 per cent). Particularly alarming: among those under 20, more than half (51.3 per cent) show clear symptoms of addiction, compared to 34.9 per cent among those aged 20 to 39.
The consequences can be significant – from concentration problems and sleep disorders to increased psychological stress.
International developments: Australia introduces social media ban for under-16s
In Australia, minors have recently been restricted to accessing social media platforms only with proof of age and parental consent. The Australian government justifies this step with the protection of young people's mental health and points to increasing symptoms of addiction and stress – developments that the German Health Barometer has also observed for the Federal Republic.
Social media is part of everyday life in Germany
According to the results, social media is part of everyday life for almost all adults. More than 96 per cent of Germans use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or messaging services, spending an average of 3 hours and 18 minutes per day. Young people in particular spend significantly more time online: those under 20 use social media for a good four hours a day, while those over 80 spend around two hours online. Women are slightly more active than men. There are also regional differences. Hamburg and Berlin have the highest daily social media use, at more than four hours. In contrast, people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Bavaria spend the least time on social media, at around three hours.
What can help: digital detox and more offline activities
To prevent negative long-term effects, the research team recommends specific measures. ‘Just 30 minutes less social media per day noticeably improves mental health,’ says Brailovskaia. Taking digital breaks together with family and friends is particularly effective.
The researchers also recommend more positive offline activities such as sports and board game evenings with friends. In addition, it is advisable to ensure good sleep. This can be achieved by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding social media shortly before bedtime. A healthy diet and regular contact with people in the real world are also beneficial to well-being.
The German Health Barometer: A new early warning system for mental health
The German Health Barometer is a nationwide platform that regularly records the mental well-being and lifestyle of the population. The aim is to identify developments at an early stage and develop tailored prevention and support services.
All citizens are invited to participate and thus make an important contribution to research and the improvement of mental health in Germany.
