Independent Commission of ExpertsRecommendations on the Protection of Children and Youth in the Digital World Published
The expert commission developed its recommendations for action based on a comprehensive assessment conducted in April 2026. According to the commission, this approach combines development-oriented and responsibility-orientedperspectives. The recommendations for action are guided by five guiding principles.
The Five Guiding Principles
The central approach is to build on proven practices. Existing and effective structures —such as early intervention services, educational youth protection, school social work, and existing projects—should not be replaced, but rather expanded, sustained, and better utilized . At the same time, the Commission emphasizes that while schools and other institutions play central roles, their responsibilities must remain clearly defined. Rather than additional isolated measures, the approach focuses on reliable framework conditions and local flexibility. Another key focus is on the shared responsibility of all stakeholders. Risks should not be shifted onto children or parents but should be mitigated through a binding shared responsibility framework. The Commission also calls for better coordination between the federal government, the states, local governments, and the various stakeholders on the ground to avoid inefficiencies at the interfaces. The use of artificial intelligence is also highlighted as a cross-cutting issue: the opportunities and risks—particularly those associated with generative AI—should be considered at an early stage and addressed in accordance with the precautionary principle.
The recommendations are also based on six developmental phases of children and adolescents. These range from early childhood (ages 0–2), where attachment and parental support are central, through guided initial media exposure in preschool and elementary school, to the self-directed—yet still supported—use of digital offerings in adolescence. For older adolescents, the transition to adulthood is also taken into account to avoid gaps in support.
This life-stage-based approach is supplemented by a responsibility-based model that clearly defines which stakeholders bear particular responsibility in each phase. These include parents and families as well as educational institutions, child and youth welfare services, health and counseling services, and complaint and safety hotlines. Platforms and providers are also held accountable, particularly where risks arise from product design. Research is intended to provide the scientific foundation, while an overarching coordinating body will coordinate the measures and ensure their implementation.
Recommendations for Action
We have selected five of the 56 recommendations as examples. You can find all of the recommendations in the linked document below.
Recommendation 12: “AI Seepferdchen” – Basic Understanding of AI
The Commission recommends a mandatory, child-friendly online certificate on the opportunities and risks of AI, which should initially be offered to elementary school students. The background for this is the EU AI Regulation, which requires educational institutions to teach AI competencies. In practice, however, this often leads to overwhelming demands. A nationwide coordinated “launch service” is intended to support implementation, while a panel of experts will continuously update the content.
Recommendation 16: Regulate the use of digital devices in schools
A nationwide, uniform restriction on the private use of digitaldevices during the school day is recommended, particularly in elementary schools and up through and including 7th grade. The goal is to reduce distractions, strengthen the learning environment, and promote social interaction during breaks. Starting in Grade 8, schools should work with students to develop binding usage policies.
Recommendation 36: Risk- and design-oriented regulation of platforms
Many risks associated with digital platforms arise from their design, such as algorithmically generated or endless feeds. The Commission calls for the clarification of European guidelines and proposes two alternatives: Either an age limit of 13 for social media services with tiered protection standards, or risk-based regulation of individual features. In doing so, unilateral national measures should be avoided to ensure uniform standards.
Recommendation 38: Effective and Data-Protection-Compliant Age Verification
Age verification should be made more mandatory and, at the same time, more data-protection-friendly in the future. Regulations at the EU and federal levels should ensure that only the minimum amount of information is disclosed during these procedures and that the further use of biometric data is not permitted. The goal is to guarantee effective protection without infringing on privacy and self-determination.
Recommendation 46: Age Limit for AI Companions
The expert commission recommends a statutory age limit of 13 years for AI-supported companion and conversational systems, ideally at the EU level. This recommendation is based on risks such as emotional dependence and the deliberate creation of attachments by these systems. In addition, providers should be required to ensure age-appropriate settings, effective age verification, and clear disclosures regarding the non-human nature of the systems.
