• Puppis Manuel

• Kulig Michelle Patricia

With social media platforms becoming ever more important in the lives of children and teenagers, it is often argued that these platforms have impaired young people’s mental health and well-being. As a result, policy-makers advocate for a social media ban for minors, arguing that society has an obligation to protect them from harm. Australia was the first country to adopt a law forcing social media platforms to block minors under 16 in late 2025. Various countries in Europe and beyond are considering similar regulation. However, existing research identifies not only risks but also benefits of social media use among minors and shows that outcomes depend on numerous factors. Moreover, scholars raise doubts whether a ban provides a sensible solution.

In this project seminar, we will thus focus on insights research may offer for practical media policy-making. Following an introduction to the topic and relevant theories, students will work in small teams that critically engage with existing research and regulation in order to develop a policy brief that offers potential governance solutions for the protection of minors. The teams will present their overview of research and regulation as well as their policy briefs in class, allowing them to engage in critical discussions that deepen their understanding of the complexities of translating research findings into policy recommendations. At the end of the semester, every team will submit a project report. Regular feedback and check-ins will ensure that students receive close mentoring throughout the process.

1. You acquire in-depth knowledge about the potential harm of social media platforms for minors and available governance options in order to evaluate their suitability for addressing the problem.
2. You learn to collaborate effectively and to manage a small project team.
3. You can formulate a clear research question as well as critically reflect on existing research and regulation.
4. You are able to synthesize theoretical concepts, empirical results and regulatory solutions, and to communicate your insights in presentations, discussions, a policy brief and a project report.

The registration for the seminar paper must be done separately: Register for the seminar paper on MyUnifr under 'Course Registration'.

mandatory readings available on the e-learning platform

Seminar with continuous evaluation: after the registration period, you can no longer withdraw from the registration (see session calendar on the faculty website).

NO retake exam

The registration for the seminar paper must be done separately: Register for the seminar paper on MyUnifr under 'Course Registration

The project seminar and the project report will be graded separately.