“Games for eternity” – that is the motto of GOG.com. The multilingual games platform offers a huge selection of old and newer games. GOG. com is particularly popular with players who want to download and own games themselves.
GOG.com (formerly “Good Old Games”) is the digital distribution platform of the Polish developer studio CD Projekt. The game developer’s best-known titles include Cyberpunk2077 and The Witcher. The platform has been distributing games from its own studio since 2008 and offers a collection of hand-picked games. The platform is dedicated to preserving old computer games that are no longer compatible with modern systems due to a lack of responsible rights holders. Users can find large game titles as well as smaller games and retro classics here. Unlike other stores, the games on GOG.com are not tied to an account or copy-protected. Users can download the games they purchase and save them on their own device. Purchasing the games directly supports the developers.
GOG Galaxy not only allows users to buy and play games, but also to connect with friends online. The platform is reminiscent of comparable distribution platforms such as Steam and Epic Gamesa digital games library and a chat platform for players. Players create an account and collect the games they buy in their own digital library. The platform offers reliable customer support, secure purchases and a lively community.
GOG.com offers gamers not only brand new games, but also retro classics. This makes it possible for younger gamers to play the first versions of certain games. Games that are otherwise very difficult or impossible to buy are also available here. The platform offers DRM-free games. DRM stands for “Digital Rights Management” and protects games from being passed on and reproduced to third parties. DRM-free games can be downloaded without copy protection and installed and played on different computers at the same time.
A GOG account can be easily created with an e-mail address. GOG.com‘s terms of use stipulate that a minimum age of 16 years applies to the creation of an account and that under-18s require the consent of a parent or guardian. However, the age is not checked in detail: when registering, only a check mark has to be activated.
Although GOG Galaxy offers an impressive collection of games, its selection is limited compared to larger platforms such as Steam. This is partly due to the fact that not all developers and publishers are willing to offer their games without DRM.
GOG.com and GOG Galaxy offer game developers a free platform to bring their games to market. Each game has a 30-day return policy if the game does not work. GOG.com states that it does not store any data from user devices and does not share any personal data with third parties. Users can also delete all imported data from the GOG servers with a single click.
In the GOG Code of Conduct, GOG sets out guidelines for dealing with one another. The provider prohibits misconduct such as bullying or harassment and threatens consequences such as blocking the user’s account. Users can report misconduct by other users by contacting GOG staff or GOG community moderators.
Age checks are not carried out at GOG.com and GOG Galaxy, so children under the age of 16 can easily create an account on GOG.com. Discuss the rules for creating your own (gaming) accounts with your child and make your child aware of data protection and the protection of privacy online.
When selecting games, pay attention to the USK age ratings and only give your child access to age-appropriate games. GOG.com provides information on the age ratings of individual games. Nevertheless, games are also sold that do not (yet) have an age rating from the USK.
As the playing time cannot be restricted via the gaming platform, use the setting options on the PC for screen time if necessary. Technical youth media protection is not a substitute for media education, but can only support it. Stay interested and talk to your child about their favorite games and their gaming and interaction experiences. Explain the risks, such as how to deal with contact with strangers. Agree on rules for dealing with games in the family that all family members adhere to.
Minecraft is a kind of Lego for computers, games consoles or mobile devices in which players create their own world from virtual blocks with a great deal of creativity and skill.
The world in Minecraft consists of cubes and blocks that are always the same size. It is created anew each time according to the principle of the sandbox game and therefore always looks different. The cubes can be made of different materials such as wood or earth. The cubes are used differently depending on the game mode: In creative mode, players combine the cubes and build houses, models or even functioning computers. The materials used do not have to be collected, they are directly available to the players and can be used an infinite number of times. This allows them to create their very own world, which they can design creatively and change constantly. This function is now even used by schools for learning purposes, as Minecraft promotes children’s spatial thinking and creativity. The creative mode is also used in computer science lessons, for example as an introduction to programming. In survival mode, players have to use the materials and tools to fight monsters and hide in the self-built hut at night. The big difference to creative mode is that you have to collect the materials yourself and also manage a hunger bar and life bar. All objects and items that cannot be collected, such as chests, swords, doors, ovens, etc., must first be crafted at a so-called “crafting table”. The level of difficulty can be adjusted between “peaceful”, “easy”, “normal” and “difficult” depending on the age group.
Despite the simple graphics, which only consist of large pixels, Minecraft is very popular with children. Minecraft sets no limits to creativity. Players can create their very own virtual world and are excited about constructing landscapes and buildings and acquiring the raw materials they need. Playing with other players is particularly challenging in terms of competition and strategy, but creating worlds together can also be a lot of fun and requires coordination. Minecraft players from all over the world come together on online servers to experience different games and adventures together. The most popular modes include Bedwars, Oneblock, Skywars, Build Battle, Murder Mystery and Parkour. Depending on the game mode, special settings and rules apply for the interaction, which is varied and exciting for children and young people.
Minecraft brings together a large community and offers many opportunities for Let’s Play videos on YouTube and live streams on Twitch. Children and young people watch their favorite streamers, learn tips and tricks, exchange ideas with others or post content online themselves. This allows them to experience Minecraft in a different way without playing it themselves.
Minecraft is released by the USK from the age of six. How well children cope with the game depends, among other things, on the selected game mode: while the creative and adventure modes are easy to handle, survival and hardcore modes are more focused on defense and survival. Here, there are obstacles to overcome, such as encounters with monsters, which brings a certain amount of tension. As the game does not set its own limits, e.g. through different levels, it tempts you to play endlessly and lose yourself completely in the virtual world. The game’s controls can also be difficult for inexperienced players. Minecraft offers in-app purchases, e.g. via the Minecraft Marketplace. This is a platform where players can buy skins, mini-games and other content such as maps or resource packs like furniture, etc. Minecraft ‘s in-game currency is called “Minecoins”. PvP maps, in which players compete against each other in different game worlds according to the “player vs. player” principle, are a popular offer.
Such paid elements are appealing to kids and teens because they enhance the gaming experience.
Some paid offers are unsuitable for younger children, for example the “Scary Mods”, which are designed to make the game environment more exciting with creepy creatures, dark environments, scary noises and events.
Minecraft has been part of Microsoft since 2014. Auf der Webseite gibt es die Datenschutzerklärung und Nutzungsbedingungen auf Deutsch. Data is processed and used for product improvement and may also be shared.
The game is designed to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills. In Sweden (the country of origin of Minecraft developer Markus Persson), it is even on the curriculum. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind as a parent:
Younger children should be accompanied while playing in the beginning and should rather use the creative mode or easier difficulty levels of the survival mode. For older children, the hardcore mode may come into question later.
As always with media use, keep an eye on how much time your child spends playing. Make sure to adhere to set media use times and discuss together as a family which modes your child is allowed to play. Make sure the content is age-appropriate and control what content your child is allowed to purchase and use. Some offers on the “Marketplace” are not suitable for younger children. Players can communicate with each other in Minecraft using the chat function.
In the process, children are exposed to communication risks such as conflicts, cyberbullying, but also cybergrooming. Talk to your child about respectful interaction in the chat and encourage them to block and report inappropriate messages. This way, your child can protect themselves from harassment. Explain to your child that he or she should not disclose personal information such as name and address in the chat.
You can use the parental control function of a Microsoft account to restrict communication functions to friends only or deactivate them completely. Access to in-game purchases can also be controlled via the control function.
The game was tested for accessibility as part of the “Gaming without borders” project. According to the test results, Minecraft already does a lot right in terms of accessibility in the areas of understanding, controlling and hearing. The game is quite suitable for children and young people with impairments. However, some hurdles have been identified in the area of “vision”, which makes it difficult for people with visual impairments to use the game. However, Mojang as a development studio is also interested in this and is working on further expanding accessibility.
Whether chatbots like My AI or digital assistants like Alexa – Artificial intelligence has long since found its way into everyday family life. This makes people curious and encourages them to try it out for themselves. In this article, we show you a few ways in which children and young people can use AI tools creatively.
AI picture generators allow your child to give free rein to their creativity and create exciting works of art. For example, they can create pictures in the style of different art movements such as Impressionism or Pop Art or be inspired by famous artists. Leonardo.AI offers one way of doing this. The tool is available as an app for Android and iOS or can be used directly in the internet browser. In the free version, 150 tokens (a type of digital currency) are available per day, which can be used to generate at least 10 images. Your child can also upload their own pictures and videos and edit them in the style of famous artists. However, please pay attention to your child’s data protection and privacy. Leonardo AI has a USK rating from the age of 12.
Further information: https://leonardo.ai/
From birthday songs to hip-hop songs – with the Suno tool, your child can generate a variety of songs from instruments and vocals. The program creates songs based on input from instructions (called prompts). For example: “Create a cheerful pop song about 4b’s hiking day in the city forest”. Up to ten songs can be generated every day, with each prompt your child receives two song suggestions. They can listen to these directly and download them if necessary. Your child can either write the lyrics themselves or have them generated automatically by the program. The resulting songs may be used for non-commercial purposes. Free registration is required for use, for example with a Google-account is required. According to the terms and conditions, the tool may be used from the age of 13, the USK age rating with regard to the protection of minors is “from 12 years”. Suno is available as an app for Android and iOS as well as a browser application.
Further information: https://suno.com/
It’s raining outside and all the activities at home seem to have been exhausted? How about a special coloring activity? With ChatGPT you can not only support schoolwork, but also create coloring pages according to your child’s wishes. To do this, your child enters the command for how the picture should look in the chat window and receives a generated picture from the chatbot. ChatGPT has a USK rating from the age of 0 and can be used from the age of 13 with the consent of a parent or guardian. We explain exactly how the tool works and what you should bear in mind in this article: https://www.elternguide.online/chatgpt/
With the low-threshold design program Canva, your child can get creative with a variety of AI tools and editing functions. The program can be used either via the website or via the Canva app for Android and iOS. It’s perfect for creating your own comics or photo stories. Here’s how it works:
Registration is required to work with Canva. According to the terms and conditions, the tool is only permitted for children up to the age of 13 with parental consent, the USK age rating is “0 years and older”. The tool is free of charge, additional content can be unlocked with a paid subscription.
Further information: https://canva.com
If your child wants to use creative AI tools, you as a parent should pay attention to the following points:
With their child’s first smartphone, parents are often looking for solutions to keep media use safe. Kidgonet is a parental control app that aims to impress with its ease of use and special focus on data protection. We took a closer look at the app.
When children get their first smartphone, parents often have a lot of questions: How much use is sensible? How can we set and monitor usage times together? How can I protect my child and at the same time support them in using their smartphone sensibly? Parental control apps or programs often come into play here. Offers such as Google Family Link, JusProg or Salfeld parental controls promise parents an overview and control over their child’s media usage times. Kidgonet also aims to make it easier for parents and children to start using media independently. The app is available as a subscription – families pay between €29.64 and €39.48 per year, depending on the duration of the contract. Parents can use the app to set and monitor their child’s device usage: Parents themselves register very easily in the Kidgonet parent portal and set how long their child is allowed to use media and set “media breaks”. In the parent portal, they can also see how much time their child has already used. The children have their own app on their smartphone, which uses a traffic light system to display their own time usage. The app can add up screen time from different devices so that the screen time can also be set for several devices.
The special feature: Kidgonet only transmits pure times to parents. It is not possible to see what content the child is using. And the provider itself also promises not to forward or store any data. All of this is intended to protect children’s data and privacy. And by encouraging parents to talk to their children about the content instead of simply deactivating apps.
In order to still offer content protection, Kidgonet claims to have integrated an age-appropriate filter. The criteria used for filtering are not described in detail. For children, on the other hand, the app has an emergency button and a direct link to youth counseling services. The service is suitable for children from primary school age.
As with all technical usage limits, it should always be clear when using Kidgonet that a mere time limit is no substitute for media education. Although the duration of media use can be controlled by the app, the content remains unaffected. Parents should not be lulled into a sense of security and should continue to pay attention to their child’s media use.
Even the integrated filter should not be seen as a substitute for your own caution when dealing with content. No filter is 100 percent safe. The ultimate responsibility for assessing content remains with the children or parents themselves.
It is also important that set times, media breaks etc. are well discussed with the children and, if possible, determined together. If children feel patronized here without being asked, the supposed protection can quickly backfire – for example, if the children find other ways to get media time. Be it with friends or via other devices.
In principle, the restriction of privacy must always be treated sensitively.
Kidgonet sees itself as support in limiting usage times. The app should therefore not be seen as a substitute for media education and communication about content. The creators emphasize in their “Parents’ Guide”: ” Parents’ role model function, shared media use and the involvement of children in decision-making are key elements in creating a healthy digital environment.”
Kidgonet is purely a time limiter – and not an educational aid in terms of content. The app can be used to set and limit media times. Of course, such media times work best if they are discussed together in the family and, if necessary, negotiated by means of a compromise so that the children also agree to their time budget.
It is at least as important to accompany your child in terms of content when using media. Regardless of how long or short your child uses their smartphone or tablet, keep talking about which programs and content they use, what questions or problems they have and how they are doing. This is the only way your child can learn to assess offers, make sensible choices and deal well with difficulties. This media education cannot replace technical limitations.
Regularly adapt the settings and arrangements to the age and needs of your child. As your child becomes more independent, the restrictions should be relaxed.
Call of Duty is one of the world’s most successful first-person shooter game series. Players fight at breakneck speed as a soldier against others or in a futuristic war against aliens and zombies. The aim is to shoot the enemy by force of arms.
Players take on the role of soldiers and find themselves in various historical or imaginary theaters of war. There they engage in constant gun battles with enemies, as many of whom must be killed as possible. In multiplayer mode, you play online in a network against and with other players. A new installment of the game series has been released almost every year since 2003. There are always more functions or other worlds to keep the community loyal to Call of Duty. The various games do not build on each other. The most popular games in the story series include “Black Ops” and “Modern Warfare”. In the online battle royale mode “Warzone”, players fight against each other on a map (= game world) with the aim of surviving as long as possible. Many players are particularly excited about this new mode, as it brings a new appeal to the more than 27 different Call of Duty titles.
With this game, the developers of the Call of Duty series offer an authentic and aesthetically pleasing military gaming experience that will delight young people and adults alike. The fascination is comparable to watching an action movie, except that the players themselves slip into the role of soldiers. At the same time, the game looks very realistic and at the same time it is a simulation. For most gamers, this way of fighting is unimaginable in reality and thus clearly separable from reality.
Games that are not yet intended for their age have a special appeal for young people, which is why Call of Duty is also played by under-18s. They want to test themselves and try out or prove themselves to their peers by playing such games or pretending to do so.
Gun violence, poison gas and drone attacks, highly visible killing and bloodbaths are all part of the game. Due to its violent plot and atmosphere, the game is not suitable for children and teenagers. Understanding the game’s story and making moral decisions in the game requires the ability to reflect and a certain maturity. Time and again, the effects of computer games like Call of Duty are discussed. The first-person shooter perspective is problematic, whereby events are shown from the character’s point of view. Whether this triggers a higher level of aggression due to a stronger identification with the character has not yet been scientifically confirmed. This is not a realistic war simulation. Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, has now also added in-game purchases to online titles such as “Warzone” and “Modern Warfare”. Players can use Call of Duty Points (CP) to spend money on skins, weapons and other game content. A Battle Pass, a common reward system in video games, is now also available in Call of Duty. However, such usage risks are generally more of a potential problem for younger players.
The game is intended for adults 18 years and older. The publisher is Activision, one of the world’s largest games companies, headquartered in the USA. According to its terms of service, guardians can consent to an Activision account if their child is over the age of 13 and under the age of 18. The provider states that it does not store any personal data of minors.
As a parent, you can decide whether or not to let your child play games that are not appropriate for their age according to the USK. You are best placed to assess whether your child can distinguish between virtual violence and real violence and whether depictions of war can have a frightening effect on your child. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that the age restrictions are not without reason. On sites such as spielbar.de or Spieleratgeber NRW you can find educational assessments of various games.
Always stay in conversation with your child so that you know what they are playing and how they are using games. Also ask what your child is watching on YouTube watches. There may also be videos about computer games – so-called Let’s Plays. It’s not always true when children talk about friends who are supposedly allowed to play first-person shooters like Call of Duty .
Discuss this with other parents. You must decide for yourself and your family what is best for your child. You can also block Call of Duty: Mobile or other games or apps that are harmful to minors via the Family Sharing function or directly in the settings on your child’s smartphone, e.g. via Screen Time.
“Overcome your limits” – in the popular first-person shooter Valorant, two teams with unique characters play against each other. Despite the colorful cartoon look, weapons and violence are the central elements of the game.
Valorant is similar to popular games like Fortnite, Overwatch or Counterstrike.
The game is a mixture of hero and tactical shooter. The basic idea of the game is simple: two teams of five play against each other. At the start of each game, each player chooses a character (“agent”) with special abilities. One team defends a randomly selected game world, the so-called “map”. The other team attacks its terrain and must place the bomb, the “spike”. One point is awarded for each successful defense or attack. The game switches after 12 rounds. The first team to reach 13 points wins.
Between rounds, the teams use a temporary in-game currency to buy supplies such as weapons and armor, as well as skills for their characters. All agents have different, special characteristics. The in-game currency is earned and paid out at the end of each round according to personal performance and the team’s performance. Due to the different abilities of the agents, the pawns must be placed strategically. To do this, each team considers together which move is best for each round. Teamwork and tactical skill are required here.
Valorant has a large community and is frequently streamed on the Twitch streaming platform. The
“agents” are visually appealing enough for young people to identify with the characters. Valorant has a large fan culture that competes for the best design with cosplays and game-based
drawings. Valorant has also become a major eSports title, attracting a large mass of fans from all over the world. A plus point for young people is that the game is basically free to play and only requires an email address to register.
Valorant has a USK age rating from 16 years. Valorant is about an armed conflict, which is accompanied by depictions of violence. Settings can be made in the game so that no blood or dead figures are visible in the game.
There is a reward system in Valorant: if daily and weekly tasks are completed, players can earn the in-game currency “Creds” and use it to purchase new agents or accessories. New and rare skins bring players recognition in the game and can therefore encourage frequent play. Players can use real money to purchase “Valorant Points” and use them to buy time-limited BattlePasses or weapon skins. The provider regularly releases new packages, which can lead to pressure to buy.
In addition to the RIOT Games Terms of Use, Valorant has a Code of Conduct. Failure to comply with these rules can result in anything from a ban from the in-game communication systems to a temporary or indefinite ban from Valorant or all RIOT Games games. Valorant has a simple system for reporting players. During the game, individual players can be reported for misconduct.
As parents, pay attention to the USK age rating from 16 years and explain to your child why it is important. To prevent younger players from downloading the game without further ado, you as parents should definitely activate the parental control settings on your child’s device. If your child is playing Valorant because he or she is already 16 years old or you think he or she is mature enough, be sure to talk to him or her about his or her playing experience. Talk to other parents about the topic and find out more about the game on platforms such as the NRW Players’ Guide.
The game thrives on its tactics and in-game communication via chat and headset. Both can be switched on and off manually. Make your child aware of the special features of online communication. Inform them about communication risks and how to deal with inappropriate contact from other players. Ask your child what they experience in the game and in chat with other gamers. Make your child aware of technical functions, such as muting individual players in the event of misuse of the voice chat. The entire chat can also be switched off.
Although the game is free to download, there are many different ways to spend real money in the game via in-game purchases. Talk to your child about the mechanisms used by game developers and decide together how much money and time should be spent on the game. Technical settings can help your child to limit the playing time.
On the website of the public children’s media service KiKA, children can find lots of videos of their favorite series and films. There are also games, craft ideas and do-it-yourself experiments.
KiKA is the children’s channel of ARD and ZDF. On the website, you can watch documentaries, reports, news, animated and real series, films and shows from the children’s media range or follow the live program.
Online, however, there is more to discover on KiKA than the popular children’s series and formats. Various online games such as picture puzzles, games of skill or adventure and quiz games offer further entertainment. In the do-it-yourself section, children can find coloring pictures, craft ideas, recipes and experiments to get creative and active at home.
The KUMMERKASTEN also offers children the opportunity to find out about topics such as feelings, friendships and family, as well as problems such as cyberbullying or school stress in short videos. The KUMMERKASTEN primarily deals with challenges and problems during puberty and aims to provide support for adolescents.
Children can also contact the KUMMERKASTEN team at Diakonie if they have any problems or concerns: At Ask Sabine! children can find out how this works and can use a link to go directly to the advice page for children and young people of the Diakonisches Werk Berlin-Brandenburg-schlesische Oberlausitz e. V., with which KiKA and KUMMERKASTEN cooperate. Children and young people can get advice here via chat or email. Other offers of help such as the Nummer gegen Kummer, which offers telephone counseling, are also presented.
KiKA offers content for children between the ages of 3 and 13. However, not all content is recommended for the youngest children. Some content, for example the news program logo!, is only recommended from the age of 9. But even if there are suitable age recommendations, the following applies: watch the content together with your child and observe how your child reacts to the content. In a separate section for parents, educators can find information about the content and age recommendations for the respective programs. There you will also find additional material for the programs, such as colouring pictures or craft instructions for children. Also agree on times and duration of media use together. Media rituals in the family or a joint media usage contract can be helpful here.
This article is part of the “Parents’ tips on children’s participation platforms” project, which is part of the “Child-friendly digital services and orientation measures” program of the Federal Agency for Child and Youth Protection in the Media (BzKJ) and realised by JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.).
The Kritzel Klub website is all about painting, drawing and creative experimentation. Children can get started directly on the virtual white paper and discover numerous tools without having to register.
At kritzel-klub.de, children can try out various digital pens, brushes and tools and create pictures online without much preparation. The website is designed with the help of symbols so that even children who are not yet able to read well can find their way around and start drawing straight away.
Various methods are also available to stimulate creative painting and drawing processes. For example, children can try out painting according to sounds or words or add their own drawings to pictures. Various drawing and painting techniques are also explained in four film clips. Children can then try out what they have learned by drawing with pen and paper.
The artworks can then be saved and printed out.
At Kritzel Klub, even younger children can easily get creative online and try out how to use digital devices at the same time. While creating and designing online, it’s easy to forget the time. Think about this together with your child: How would you like to organize media use in the family, how much screen time is ok? At the same time, your child may also be unhappy if something doesn’t work or look the way you want it to. Accompany your child in their use or create a digital work of art together.
This article is part of the “Parents’ tips on children’s participation platforms” project, which is part of the “Child-friendly digital services and orientation measures” program of the Federal Agency for Child and Youth Protection in the Media (BzKJ) and realised by JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.).
Time to BRAWL! Cool characters, exciting matches, jewels and trophies – that’s the colorful game world of Brawl Stars. We present the popular mobile app.
Brawl Stars is a mobile battle arena game for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, developed by Finnish game provider Supercell. It is based on the “free-to-play” model and is basically free of charge. In the game, you fight either alone or in teams of two or three against friends or other players. A round of the game lasts only a few minutes.
The players control characters, so-called “Brawlers”. Each Brawler has their own abilities and play styles. The aim is to defeat opponents and other teams, collect gems or complete certain tasks. Over the course of the game, new Brawlers can be unlocked, their skills improved and their appearance customized with skins and accessories. These extras can be purchased with the in-game coins earned or obtained through rewards. Real money can be used to buy in-game coins and thus achieve faster progress in the game. The colorful and vibrant graphics and simple controls make the game accessible and entertaining for players of all ages. Brawl Stars also features regular updates, events and an active community that keeps the game fresh and engaging.
Free game apps are interesting for many children and young people as they promise free fun. Playing together as a team and competing against other players is particularly exciting and fun. The rounds are entertaining and you can progress quickly. The look of the game is also impressive: Everything in the game is colorfully designed in cartoon graphics and the brawlers look funny. Winning a round earns you rewards. The game features loot boxes (surprise boxes) with a star symbol – also known as “Starrdrops”. Whoever opens the Starrdrops receives random rewards such as new skins, sprays, accessories, coins, jewels or new brawlers. The surprise effect and the prospect of stronger characters can quickly motivate children and young people to keep playing to get more Starrdrops and become more and more “powerful” for duels.
The short game rounds and regular rewards make the game attractive and tempt you to keep playing. Brawl Stars is played in teams. Players can create and join clubs.
Your child may come into contact with strangers who, in the worst case, are not who they say they are. Following random game rounds, your child can receive friend requests from players. There is a risk of cyberbullying and cybergrooming here.
For the chance to get rare brawlers or new coins, your child may be tempted to spend real money on in-game items and loot boxes. These purchases make it possible to equip their favorite Brawler with better abilities. There is also the option to purchase so-called “Brawl Passes”, which offer significantly more rewards and faster game progress. The game provider earns a lot of money with such mechanisms.
There is a guide for parents on the official website of the provider Supercell. Among other things, it refers to existing in-app purchases in the game and explains how parents can manage and, if necessary, disable them. Supercell states that it does not pass on personal data to third parties for commercial purposes or in any other way. The provider has created a “blacklist” for safe chatting. This allows certain terms to be quickly and automatically removed from chats. Chat messages can be muted and are then no longer displayed.
The best way to start is to discover the game together. Play together with your child to understand your child’s enthusiasm for the game.
Be wary of third-party vendors offering Brawl Stars enhancements such as free jewels. Here, personal information and/or money are often demanded without delivering the promised product.
On the children’s portal Frieden-fragen.de, questions about war, conflict, violence and peace are explained in a child-friendly way. Children can find age-appropriate information and individual answers to their questions. This enables a sensitive approach to difficult topics.
War and peace, conflict and violence – these are topics that even younger children are concerned with. They often have many questions that are not so easy to answer. At Frieden-fragen.de, children’s questions are answered individually. The answers are sent to the children by e-mail (if specified) or published on the website. Answers to many questions asked by children can also be found on the website.
The Berghof Foundation / Friedenspädagogik Tübingen project also tackles difficult questions. Frieden-fragen.de describes its approach as being “based on the fundamental values of peace, justice and non-violence and the state of the art. Differences and controversies in politics and society are named and made visible.” The aim is to make connections recognizable and to provide children with knowledge about the background and coexistence of people and states.
In addition to the question portal and factual information, children will find various areas to browse through. There are stories from children and adults from all over the world to discover as well as pictures and videos to watch. The characters Sakina, Cody and Frieda accompany children through the site. Many difficult terms are explained in a child-friendly way in the lexicon.
The website also offers various hands-on activities for children.
There are suggestions on how children can make their own contribution to peaceful coexistence, e.g. they can use the peace machine peace messages for classmates.
Teachers can find further background information and teaching materials in the adult section.
The service provides information on wars in a sensitive and age-appropriate way. Nevertheless, topics relating to war and conflict can overwhelm, frighten or unsettle children. Many children have heard about current wars on social media, on television, in class or in the playground. Some are affected by the topic themselves, e.g. through relatives or their own experience of flight. Take your child’s concerns about these issues seriously and help them to find answers to their questions. You know your child best and can assess which media content they can cope with. It is best to take a look at the Frieden-fragen.de website together. Then you will immediately notice how your child reacts to the content and can support your child accordingly. Read more about war in the media or news for children and young people here.
Dieser Artikel ist Teil des Projekts „Eltern-Inspos zu Kinder-Partizipationsplattformen“, das im Rahmen des Förderprogramms „Kindgerechte digitale Angebote und Maßnahmen zur Orientierung“ der Bundeszentrale für Kinder- und Jugendmedienschutz (BzKJ) gefördert und in Zusammenarbeit von JFF – Institut für Medienpädagogik in Forschung und Praxis und der Freiwilligen Selbstkontrolle Multimedia-Diensteanbieter (FSM e.V.) umgesetzt wird.
“Hang on, I need to post on BeReal for a minute!” – Many families are familiar with statements like this.
The BeReal app was the seventh most popular social media app among young Germans in 2023.
Authenticity is a top priority here, which is why the service scores points with its unusual concept: spontaneous snapshots from everyday life instead of staged pictures and videos.
We explain the concept behind it.
BeReal translates as “Be real!”. Users are prompted to take a photo once a day by the app via a push message. The random time varies from day to day and is sent to all users at the same time.
Within two minutes, a photo must be taken with the front and rear cameras at the same time and published. Pictures from the photo gallery cannot be uploaded. The two photos are displayed as picture-in-picture. The photos of friends can then also be viewed. The posted photos are automatically deleted from the feed after 24 hours and are saved under Memories for private viewing only. If uploaded on time, you can share up to five additional snapshots per day.
In addition to the daily prompt, you can record videos in “Behind the Scenes” mode, which show what happens before or after the actual photo. There is also the option to add music to the BeReals. The RealChat function allows friends to chat directly with each other and connect with several friends in up to two RealGroups.
There are no filters or image editing in the app and your follower count is not publicly visible. You can react to other people’s posts with emojis or so-called RealMojis, which are grimaces that you create yourself. Public photos can be seen at any time. Friends can be found and added via synchronization with your own contacts or by searching for user names. Profiles from the public feed can also be added.
New apps are particularly interesting for young users if they offer something out of the ordinary. In times of superficiality and image editing on social networks, BeReal stands out with its concept of spontaneity and authenticity. The tension increases because the push message with the request to take a snapshot can come at any time. A photo must then be taken spontaneously and under time pressure – without preparation or many attempts, without filters or image editing.
Connecting with brands and celebrities via the RealBrands and RealPeople categories and participating in their “real” lives as a RealFan is fun for young people and makes them feel connected to their role models.
Complying with the app’s requests can be challenging, for example because young people actually want to concentrate on their homework or can’t get their smartphone out at school. For some, the pressure exerted by the push message can be unpleasant or lead to impulsive photos being taken and published in private situations. There can also be social pressure to share particularly interesting pictures on the platform without filters and edits.
BeReal collects personal data such as name and telephone number and stores the IP address. If access to the address book is permitted, the app also receives data from people who do not use BeReal. There is also a risk that photos of other people who appear unintentionally in the picture will end up in the public feed. Photos can also be screenshotted and shared by others without being noticed.
According to the terms of use, BeReal is permitted from the age of 13. If an age between 13 and 15 is specified when registering, the app indicates that parental consent is required. This is because, due to the GDPR, use without parental consent is only possible from the age of 16. However, this can be easily circumvented.
The app was sold to the French game developer Voodoo in 2024. Further features could change, advertising has already been integrated. BeReal has community guidelines and prohibits harassment, violence and bullying, for example. Violations can be reported directly in the app.
If your child is interested in the app, you should also take a closer look at BeReal – preferably together. Talk to your child about the potential communication risks associated with using the app and keep in touch about your child’s experience of using it. Agree beforehand which photos may be published there, so that your child can react consciously in the pressure situation.
The app accesses many functions of the smartphone, some of which are unfounded, such as microphone and location. Check the app permissions immediately after registration and consider together with your child which accesses are necessary and useful. It is best to set the account to private in the privacy settings so that only people in the friends list can see the posted pictures. Discuss with your child that they should only add people they actually know as friends. You can find instructions on other BeReal security settings on the website medien-kindersicher.de.
Die Kinderwebseite kindersache.de ist eine Mitmach-Seite für Kinder zwischen 8 und 13 Jahren. Hier gibt es viele Informationen vor allem über die Kinderrechte, aber auch Möglichkeiten, selbst im Internet aktiv zu werden.
Hier finden Kinder altersgerechte Informationen und interaktive Angebote, z. B. können sie
Dem Thema Kinderrechte wird auf kindersache.de besonders viel Raum geboten: Es wird in kindgerechter Art beschrieben, was das überhaupt ist und welche Kinderrechte es gibt. Für Spaß sorgen verschiedene Spielideen und Rätsel auf der Seite. Im Themenbereich Genial Digital gibt es interaktive digitale Lernmodule, die spielerisch Informationen rund um das Thema Internet und das erste Smartphone vermitteln.
Im Trickstudio von JUKI auf kindersache.de gibt es nicht nur eine Vielzahl an Videos zu entdecken. Im Trickfilmstudie können unkompliziert eigene Trickfilme erstellt werden, Kinder erhalten Tipps für die eigene Filmproduktion und erfahren, was es dabei zu beachten gibt.
In der Rubrik Mitmachen können Kinder selbst aktiv werden: Einen Artikel oder eine Geschichte schreiben, eigene Videos herstellen und hochladen oder einen Witz erzählen. Dafür müssen sie sich bei kindersache.de registrieren.
Alle Inhalte auf kindersache.de werden von der Redaktion ausgewählt und überprüft. Auch der Austausch mit anderen ist sicher, da Kommentare und Beiträge vor der Veröffentlichung überprüft werden. So lernen Kinder die Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten im Internet in einem geschützten Raum kenne
kindersache.de ist eine Internetangebot für Kinder des Deutschen Kinderhilfswerks.
Da die Webseite speziell für Kinder konzipiert ist, legt sie großen Wert auf Sicherheit und Datenschutz. Persönliche Daten werden nur im notwendigen Maße erhoben und nicht an Dritte weitergegeben. Die Plattform ist zudem werbefrei.
Wie bei allen Angeboten, die Kinder bis 12 Jahren nutzen, sollten Sie sich auch über kindersache.de informieren und die Seite am besten gemeinsam mit Ihrem Kind erkunden. Es ist wichtig, dass Ihr Kind seine Erfahrungen mit Ihnen teilen kann. Das Gespräch über die Inhalte auf kindersache.de wie z. B. Mitmachen, fördert die Autonomie und das Wissen Ihres Kindes.
Dieser Artikel ist Teil des Projekts „Eltern-Inspos zu Kinder-Partizipationsplattformen“, das im Rahmen des Förderprogramms „Kindgerechte digitale Angebote und Maßnahmen zur Orientierung“ der Bundeszentrale für Kinder- und Jugendmedienschutz (BzKJ) gefördert und in Zusammenarbeit von JFF – Institut für Medienpädagogik in Forschung und Praxis und der Freiwilligen Selbstkontrolle Multimedia-Diensteanbieter (FSM e.V.) umgesetzt wird.
With the Internet ABC children learn to navigate the Internet independently and safely through playful learning modules. Parents and teachers can find lots of tips and support for the media education of primary school children in separate sub-sections.
Internet ABC helps children of primary school age to gradually learn how to use the Internet safely. Here you will find interactive learning modules on topics such as chats, data protection and research, while varied exercises, puzzles and tasks bring complex content closer in a child-friendly and clear way. Animal companions guide children through the four subject areas “Learning School”, “Hobby Leisure”, “Fun Games” and “Join in Have a Say”. A comprehensive lexicon explains online terms such as posting and spam.
Internet ABC enables children to learn the basics of using the Internet safely on their own. The games and puzzles are fun and the website is updated regularly. Children can test their knowledge and obtain a “driver’s license for the Internet” with the so-called surfing certificate. A short online course to understand the technical basics and how to use a PC, notebook and tablet can be found in the Computer ABC.
In the join-in area, children can create pictures, write in the forum, take part in surveys or comment on the joke of the month and exchange ideas with each other. The comments are first checked for insults or private information and only then activated.
The service is also aimed at parents and educational professionals and supports them in teaching media skills on the Internet. In addition to tips and explanations, there is concrete assistance such as the media usage contract.
The Internet ABC provider of the same name is an association whose members include all 14 state media authorities in Germany. Internet-ABC does not use advertising, is free of charge and explains exactly what data is collected from users and what happens to it.
Independent media use is important for children and promotes media literacy.
Services such as Internet ABC enable children to participate in the Internet and help you to teach your child how to use it responsibly.
Such services are therefore a useful addition to their media education at home.
Even if children can navigate independently on sites such as Internet ABC, it is important that you initially discover the Internet together with your children and are there to help with questions and problems.
For example, the website warns against leaving Internet ABC when clicking on links.
Nevertheless, your child may come across unsuitable content on other websites. Therefore, talk to your child and accompany him or her as often as possible when using media. Protection programs such as JusProg, which block age-inappropriate content, are also helpful.
Equally important are common rules and time limits within which your child can navigate the internet alone. You can get tips and help with media education via the Internet ABC website or other offers and stay informed about current phenomena and topics. In addition, the exchange with other parents can be helpful.
This article is part of the “Parents’ tips on children’s participation platforms” project, which is funded under the “Child-friendly digital services and orientation measures” program of the Federal Agency for the Child and Youth Protection in the Media (BzKJ) and realised by JFF – Institute for Media Research and Media Education and the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.).
Klexikon is an online encyclopedia as a comprehensive and understandable Wikipedia for children. Here you will find over 3,400 articles on a wide range of topics for school and leisure.
Klexikon describes itself as the Wikipedia for children. From A-Z, children can find knowledge articles on a wide range of topics. The articles are written in a child-friendly way so that children can find understandable answers to their questions.
At Klexikon.de, children can search for terms directly in the search field. They can also browse through 12 knowledge areas – from “People we know” and “Body and health” to “Sport and fun” or “Politics and society” – to find topics in the various areas. If you want to be surprised, you can click on the “Random article” tab and be shown a random text from the more than 3,400 articles.
The Klexikon is a project of the Zentrale für Unterrichtsmedien im Internet e.V. (ZUM.de). The articles are written by volunteer authors. The Klexikon also offers writing workshops for school classes together with the German Museum of Technology and Wikimedia. Here, children get to know the service and, with the help of adults, can also create articles themselves and thus actively help shape the Klexikon . In the miniKlexikon contains articles in particularly simple language.
Whether for school or in their free time, children have lots of questions and want to find out about a wide range of topics. Like us adults, they are increasingly turning to the Internet for information on topics that interest them. Children also like to access information on the Internet when researching for school. Child-friendly services help them to find answers to their questions.
The following also applies to websites for children: Take into account your child’s level of development and accompany your child when using the Internet. Take a look at the website together first, especially with younger children, and discuss what your child has read in the articles. Who knows – maybe they will learn something new too! You can also search for answers with your child on the Internet and compare information that you find on different pages about a question. This way, your child can learn what to look out for when searching for information online and how to classify it.
This article is part of the “Parents’ tips on children’s participation platforms” project, which is part of the “Child-friendly digital services and orientation measures” funding program of the Federal Center for Child and Youth Media Protection (BzKJ) and in cooperation with JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the Voluntary Self-Regulation of Multimedia Service Providers (FSM e.V.) is being implemented.
Whether it’s cyberbullying, computer game addiction or data protection, young people can quickly, easily and free of charge contact the young scouts and experts at JUUUPORT turn. Young people can now also find a reporting form for problematic online content on the website.
When young people have problems or questions, they sometimes find it difficult to talk to their parents or other adults, especially about sensitive topics such as cyberbullying or sexting. That’s why JUUUPORT has youth scouts who have experienced something similar and can advise other youth. They have undergone special training on Internet topics and in the areas of psychology and law and can be requested anonymously. If they don’t know what to do, the young people’s concerns are passed on to adult experts who then take care of them.
JUUUPORT offers online counseling by young people for young people, supported by the association JUUUPORT e. V. On juuuport.de counseling is free, anonymous and complies with data protection regulations. In addition to the contact form on the website, there is also the option of contacting us via WhatsApp to get advice. The scouts will reply within two days. In the “Your questions” section, you can find answers from the scouts to common problems faced by young people.
The JUUUPORT website also contains a wide range of information on Internet topics. In addition to a guide on how to deal with online dangers such as cyberbullying, media addiction or sexual harassment, there is also up-to-date information on various topics such as artificial intelligence and fake news. JUUUPORT also offers a collection of links to other contact points for young people.
Young people can also use a separate reporting form to report things that do not belong online, such as violent videos, extremism or hate speech. The internet complaints offices FSM, eco and jugendschutz.net then deal with these complaints.
JUUUPORT is active on the social media platforms YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X active. Here, the scouts share photos, videos and information about the advisory services and current media topics.
JUUUPORT also offers free online seminars for schools, youth clubs and associations. Topics here include “Hate on the Net” and “WhatsApp Stress.” Perhaps there is a need for a seminar at your child’s school or you would like to draw attention to the offer with information material.
Tell your child about JUUUPORT – perhaps there are topics that they would rather discuss anonymously with other young people than with you. If your child would like to get involved with JUUUPORT themselves and become a scout, they can sign up for training here.