Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has agreed to a settlement of up to $16.7 billion with U.S. states over concerns regarding social media addiction among children. In light of this ruling, German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig emphasizes the need for similar protective measures in Germany and Europe. She advocates for effective digital safeguards for minors, including appropriate age restrictions and the prohibition of manipulative design features, such as endless scrolling. Hubig highlights the importance of the EU’s Digital Services Act, which mandates enhanced protections for minors on digital platforms. She calls for a national framework that establishes a legal minimum age for social media use and a tiered protection strategy tailored to different age groups. Hubig warns that delaying action could have detrimental effects on the well-being of children and adolescents growing up in today’s digital environment.