Most in Germany want Australia-style social media ban: poll – DW – 11/30/2024
www.dw.com
A survey has shown that a majority in Germany would support banning social media use for those under 16. This week, Australian lawmakers approved legislation to that effect.

Summary

A YouGov poll revealed that 77% of Germans support banning social media for those under 16, similar to a new Australian law.

The survey found that 82% believe social media harms young people, citing harmful content and addiction.

In Australia, the law fines platforms up to AUD 49.5 million (€30.5M) for allowing under-16s to create accounts, with enforcement trials set before implementation next year. Critics

  • leisesprecher@feddit.orgEnglish
    4·
    12 days ago

    And even worse: bad polling amplifies the interpretation the pollsters want to see.

    In this case, there’s no link to or mention of the actual question. Just the in favor/not in favor distribution.

    Did they ask “the government should implement laws to ban children” or did it say “rules to prevent children from signing up”?

    Did they mention the age limit? Asking any children and teenagers might lead to very different results.

    And so on. If you can’t find the exact question, polls like this are useless.

    • thallamabond@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      12 days ago

      Important thing about these laws is that they are for everybody. I would find it interesting if they asked, “Would you be willing to show your ID to go online?”. “Would you be okay with the government requiring you to show your ID to go on reddit?”