Children and young people encounter AI in many places today: Chatbots answer questions for homework, voice assistants help in everyday life, creative apps generate images, music or short stories. This can be exciting, inspiring and confusing at the same time. Many parents therefore ask themselves: How do I guide my child so that they use AI curiously, safely and critically without being overwhelmed? Don’t worry: you don’t have to be an AI expert to accompany your child safely.
Artificial intelligence is often surprisingly clever. It responds quickly, friendly and sometimes more convincingly than adults. However, children should understand: AI does not “know” anything. It merely calculates which answers are likely to seem correct. And that is precisely why it can make mistakes, adopt prejudices or invent content.
Many AI applications also save the data entered. Depending on the tool, more or less information can be collected. Children should therefore learn early on to handle personal information with care. It should also be clear that AI is no substitute for personal advice, teachers or parents.
The younger children are, the more guidance they need when dealing with AI. For primary school children in particular, it is important to try things out together, ask questions and scrutinize results.
Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask your personal questions about your child’s media use directly and conveniently using the messenger service via WhatsApp or Threema. You can find more information here.
In the age of social media, it is easy to gain insights into the lives of famous people – and to feel surprisingly close to them. However, what almost feels like a friendship for fans in front of their (mobile) screens is primarily a job for the creators that earns them money. We need to make children and young people in particular aware of the business model behind this supposed closeness.
For many young people, it sounds dreamy and tempting to get rich with short or longer internet videos. In reality, however, highly successful profiles usually involve a whole team, precise production planning and a sophisticated marketing strategy. This is because the content must be specifically designed and played out in such a way that it generates reach – and ultimately revenue.
Influencers earn their money in various ways:
For children and young people, ‘their’ influencers are often important role models and idols. They enjoy a high level of trust among young people, their content and statements are rarely questioned and their ‘product recommendations‘ are readily accepted.
By using the advertised products, young people feel closer to the lifestyle of the influencers and stars as well as to themselves and can thus express their own identity or affiliation.
Influencer marketing is aimed much more directly and precisely at specific target groups and has a very personal impact, which is why it has long been more important and more successful than traditional TV and radio commercials.
Advertising is not recognizedRecommendations appear personal and honest, but are often paid for. If this is not recognized, trust can be exploited.
Closeness is misunderstood: Virtual interactions – for example via live chats or gifts to influencers – can create the impression of genuine relationships that do not exist in reality. The relationship is “one-sided”, as the fans are usually an anonymous mass for the influencer in question.
Consumer pressure arises: Creators often show a lot of new products and a lifestyle full of “must-haves”. This can distort expectations, affect self-esteem and lead to financial problems.
Stay up to date and talk to your child about their consumer behavior. Influencers play an important role in guiding children and young people. Be understanding and show interest. Ask your child which creators they follow and why. Take a look at their content together and talk about what you have seen.
For many children, what their peers use and do is important. The need to belong is part of their development. Help your child set up a social media account if they want to be on these platforms, and together make sure they have privacy settings and provide truthful age information so that the platforms’ safety precautions can take effect.
Talk about how influencers earn money, how your child recognizes advertising, the strategies behind it and how good purchasing decisions can be made.
To avoid unexpected costs, we have created a checklist for you on how you can limit in-app purchases on your child’s device.
If you would like to find out more about this topic, take a look at our colleagues at klicksafe over. They describe how exactly YouTubers earn money.
The smell of cookies, shopping stress, shining children’s eyes: the holidays are approaching and digital devices and games are on the wish lists of many children and young people. What should parents consider before and after giving a gift? Between the years and during the vacations, there is also time for shared family media experiences. How can this be designed in a safe, age-appropriate and even creative way? In this article, we give you an overview of offers from the Elternguide.online partner network.
The Christmas vacations can be long, especially when the weather outside doesn’t really invite you to play. If you have devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras or a laptop at home – how about you and your child just get started? You can take photos or film together, try out new creative apps and actively organize media time. It’s great fun and your child will also learn something about media skills along the way.
On the website kinder.jff.de there are suggestions for simple media projects that children aged 3 and over can do at home with the support of you as parents. This is helped by child-friendly video instructions in which the implementation of the media projects is shown step by step. How about a photo memory with Christmas tree decorations or an audio story about Christmas traditions?
knipsclub offers a safe environment for young photo fans between the ages of 8 and 12 to try out their skills in a closed and pedagogically supervised photo community and exchange photos with each other. On the website you will find creative photo tips, for example on
You are probably familiar with challenges from social media, e.g. dance challenges on TikTok. Children and young people love to take on challenges. Challenges don’t necessarily only have to take place on the Internet, you can also play them at home with your family! Why not try out the top photo challenge, the clip challenge or the re-enactment challenge? We have made a few suggestions in our parents’ guide article. You can find more Advent challenges on the website of the JFF project webhelm.de.
Children have many questions and learn early on that their questions will be answered on the Internet. How is Christmas celebrated in other countries? What craft tips and baking recipes are there for Christmas? The children’s search engine fragFINN offers children access to around 3,400 verified websites, including almost 400 children’s sites. Primary school children can gain their first Internet experience here in a protected surfing room and learn how to use search engines and search results. In the fragFINN Advent calendar, children can open a little door every day, behind which are links to other children’s sites with a wide range of information and offers suitable for the winter season. You can find more playful learning pages in this parents’ guide article.
Your child probably also likes watching videos and going to the movies. A TV evening together can be a really nice family experience. Pay attention to the FSK age rating to protect your child from unsuitable content. But be careful: FSK ratings are
Parents must decide individually when their child is ready for their first smartphone, depending on their level of development and experience. After all, a smartphone theoretically opens up the whole world of the Internet to your child, with all its opportunities and risks. klicksafe offers comprehensive information for parents. Use the smartphone readiness checklist to check whether a smartphone is ready to go under the Christmas tree. Has the decision been positive? Then find out about the technical setting options and set up your smartphone to be childproof. You can find all information material from klicksafe in this topic special.
Would you like to prepare your child for the first smartphone under the Christmas tree? Child-friendly information on the first smartphone is available in the children’s magazine Genial Digital from Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk. The fragFINN app gives your child a protected surfing space on their first smartphone and gives them access to quality, positive content.
Are you considering buying a smartwatch as an alternative? Then take a look at this topic from klicksafe. Please note: technical protective measures are no substitute for family discussions and media rules. Stay in contact with your child and accompany them as they take their first steps with a smartwatch or smartphone.
In addition to discussions and media rules, technical youth media protection is an important component of media education. Use the screen time and digital wellbeing settings on smartphones to set time limits for the entire device or for different apps and to filter content. The parental control program JusProg offers a precise filtering option for websites and safe default settings for mobile devices and laptops. Google Family Link and YouTube Kids offer the opportunity to make media experiences safer for your child in the world of the internet giant Google. Social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok also offer safety features and parental guidance options. Streaming with the family can be a fun activity during the vacations. Almost all streaming services have certified offers for the protection of minors. Use your own child profiles and the parental control function with the PIN. Many of the youth protection programs have been approved by the expert commission of the Voluntary Self-Regulation of Multimedia Service Providers (FSM). You can find out more about technical solutions for the protection of minors in the media on the FSM website.
Detailed instructions for all devices can be found on the website medien-kindersicher.de.
Which games should I give my child for Christmas? Are games okay for preschoolers? In the family section of the USK website and via the USK brochures, you will find all the information you need on the USK’s age ratings, the additional information and how to deal with the subject of games in the family.
The USK mark indicates the age at which a game does not cause any developmental impairments. The additional information such as “fantasy violence” or “pressure to act” gives parents a good indication of whether a game is suitable for their own child. Educational assessments of games can be found at the NRW games guide. Descriptions of popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft or Roblox are available on Elternguide.online. The USK lexicon explains the most important terms, devices and genres.
Would you like to make your child happy with a game for Christmas? Find out about the distribution channels for games and technical precautionary measures. Various settings for the protection of minors can be made on consoles as well as in game stores and the games themselves. Play together with your child and ask them interesting questions about their favorite games.
The team at Elternguide.online wishes you and your family a wonderful Christmas season and lots of fun using media safely and creatively!
Want to quickly watch a children’s series, a movie for the evening or the important soccer match? It’s all on Joyn. Joyn is a streaming platform like
Joyn is the German middle ground between traditional television and major streaming services. The service can be accessed via smartphone, tablet, PC or smart TV, via app or in the browser. Children and young people can find current TV shows, their
Joyn is particularly attractive for children and young people because the basic version is free of charge and can sometimes even be used without logging in. Many freely available live TV contents can be accessed directly in the browser. For additional functions – such as personalized recommendations or saving watchlists – registration with an email address is required.
If parents don’t want to or can’t subscribe to their own streaming service, Joyn is still easily accessible. The platform offers many shows and series that are currently being talked about in the school playground, including Big Brother, The Masked Singer and Germany’s Next Top Model.
Particularly appealing for young fans of the programs: Joyn offers opportunities to actively participate in the app. For example, viewers can vote on who advances to the next round in a show, take part in quiz formats or take part in competitions. This reinforces the feeling of being right in the middle of the action and motivates viewers to tune in regularly.
Anyone using Joyn will initially only be shown content that is approved for under 16s. The account must be verified with an ID number for everything that is approved from 16 or 18. However, this age verification does not offer complete protection. Parents can create a profile and secure it with a parental control PIN so that children can only play content that has been approved for ages 0, 6 or 12.
Important to know: Content that cannot be played remains visible. Preview images, titles or short descriptions can arouse children’s curiosity or draw their attention to topics that are
Joyn emphasizes that the protection of minors is an essential part of the platform and that all legal requirements are complied with. The parental control PIN cannot simply be deactivated and the provider provides detailed instructions on how to set up profiles for children. Age verification is carried out in compliance with data protection regulations and the data is only stored temporarily
Make clear agreements with your child about what can and cannot be watched. If possible, use the offer together – especially with younger children. Actively accompany your child, talk about the content and whether something may cause anxiety or unpleasant feelings. Set up a profile with a parental control PIN if your child is too young to view content from the age of 16 or 18. Make sure that content with a parental rating of 0, 6 and 12 years remains accessible to everyone. Talk to your child regularly about what
The JIM study (Youth, Information, Media) provides insights into the media use of young people (aged 12 to 19) in Germany. It is conducted annually by the Media Education Research Association Southwest. Here we summarize the most important results so that parents can better support their children.
Almost all young people (98%) own a smartphone that they use every day. On average, they spend around four hours a day on the device, with older young people spending over four and a half hours. It is not only the duration that is decisive, but also the type of content that young people consume. This usage time includes both school work and leisure activities. From the age of 16 in particular, many use their smartphone almost continuously. Even if they are aware of how important it is to take breaks, many find it difficult to regulate their use independently.
Social media platforms and messengers remain the most important channels for communicating, finding information and organizing everyday life.
For the first time, the 2025 study focuses on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI): 91% of young people use at least one AI tool.
Even younger teenagers use AI regularly. Parents should therefore
The study also shows that many young people have negative experiences: Around a quarter are aware of cases of bullying in their environment, while 9 percent have been affected themselves. The
In addition to this overview, we also recommend the miniKIM study on media use by young children and the KIM Study 2022 for younger children.
Further detailed information on the JIM Study 2025 can be found on the website of the Medienpädagogischer Forschungsverbund Südwest and at Handysektor.
Arrange a meeting with your best friend via online message, ask about homework in a class chat or chat digitally with friends about the latest soccer transfer rumors. According to the JIM study, WhatsApp is the most used app among young people. But at what age can the messenger be officially used?
The USK (Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body) has approved WhatsApp for ages 12 and up. The USK checks the age at which online games and apps are considered suitable in Germany. Its age ratings are based on the provisions of the German Youth Protection Act and the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media. The reason for the 12+ label is that WhatsApp is a messenger app whose content cannot be checked in advance. Thanks to the public community function, WhatsApp also contains functions that are similar to social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. At the same time, however, WhatsApp also has block and report functions. Among other things, a USK 12 rating is awarded if an app or game has a chat function that includes the usual moderation tools and safeguards. If the age of your child is stored in the Google Play Store, the app can only be installed from the age of 12.
WhatsApp itself specifies a minimum age of 13 years in its General Terms and Conditions. The T&Cs are rules for using an online service. Before using the app, your child must confirm that they are at least 13 years old. Whether this is true is not actively checked. However, if it becomes known that a user is under the age of 13, WhatsApp has the right to delete the account.
According to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), WhatsApp may process data from the age of 16 without parental consent. If your child is younger, WhatsApp needs your consent as a parent or guardian. By allowing your child to use WhatsApp, you also consent to the messenger service processing your child’s data (e.g. cell phone number).
As parents, you can take 13 years as a guide. Children under the age of 12 should not use the offer under any circumstances. Officially applies:
If your child is between the ages of 13 and 16, they may use WhatsApp, but they need your consent. Set up rules together with your child, explain the risks to your child and explain the app’s reporting and blocking functions to your child. Set up the account together and pay particular attention to security and privacy settings. You can find more tips on setting up WhatsApp safely here at medien-kindersicher.
Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask your personal questions about your child’s media use directly and conveniently using the messenger service via WhatsApp or Threema. You can find more information here.
What words did you use when you were younger – and what did your parents think? Think about it. It is perfectly normal that you sometimes do not understand your child because they use words that you do not know or use.
Our language is shaped by the adult world. Adolescents have a strong need to form their own identity, to become independent and to distinguish themselves from adults. This is also expressed in the so-called youth language with which they create their own world. With their own language, or at least their own terms, they create something of their own and typical of youth. This connects and creates self-confidence. Using the “outdated” slang of the parents would sound old-fashioned and uncool.
In each new generation, in certain youth scenes and even in different places, youth language changes and there are different words and expressions. Typically, young people speak more easily than adults. In doing so, they sometimes use unusual or unfamiliar terms. The language is less “correct” because young people speak more spontaneously. Instead, it transports much more feelings and moods.
Online communication also has a strong influence on how young people speak or write. In messenger chat, for example, emojis, GIFs, stickers and memes are used. The language is significantly abbreviated and often incorrect. Terms from the
Check out your knowledge around your child’s language. The following words will be particularly popular in 2025. At the end of the post you will find the resolution.
So there is no serious reason to worry if you sometimes do not understand your child. Respect the desire for boundaries and generally be understanding if your child uses different words than you do. But that doesn’t mean you have to let him tell you everything. Especially if the language is indecent, hurtful or offensive. Tell your child. Make it clear to them why they should not speak to others in the same way and, if necessary, agree on rules for dealing with each other. The use of youth language can also be problematic in online communication, for example in trash talk in online games or cyberbullying. Talk to your child about respectful behavior online. The same rules that apply offline for fair and respectful interaction should also be observed online: Fairness, openness and respect.
You are and will remain the adult from whom your child wishes to distinguish him or herself. Therefore, do not try to approach linguistically. This is more likely to be perceived by your child as an invasion of his or her privacy. Speak the way you always do. Nevertheless, you can occasionally enjoy your child’s imaginative word creations and ask if you don’t understand something!
Resolutions:
An idea for the next birthday present, help with a math problem or simply a question about the opening times of the swimming pool: many families now use artificial intelligence in their everyday lives. At the same time, many parents are wondering which AI services are reliable, safe and also suitable for children. After all, not all AI is the same; the offerings differ significantly in terms of data protection, transparency and target groups, for example.
It’s obvious: AI tools can make everyday life easier. Chat bots and so-called AI agents find and bundle information, explain complicated content, take on small tasks or even act as conversation partners. Many services – from search engines to messengers – now have integrated AI functions. This makes them even easier to access and convenient to use.
At the same time, this also increases risks. Some services place little value on data protection and privacy, collect extensive usage data or are difficult to understand. Others deliver results that are difficult to assess or are not always correct. The seemingly simplest services, which are already integrated into apps and websites, are not always the best. Unfiltered content can also be problematic for children.
The search for suitable AI offerings is not easy. Many tools appear similar and yet differ greatly. We present three possible alternatives:
Perplexity AI – the AI search engine with transparent sources
Perplexity AI works like a chatbot, but compiles information more like a search engine. One advantage is that the AI displays the sources used for each answer. This makes it easier to assess the results and can be particularly helpful for young people doing research for school or projects. Perplexity AI can be used free of charge in the browser or with a paid Pro account, which saves searches, uses better AI models and enables more uploads. The provider states that it uses data for further development, but does not sell it. The service is not specifically aimed at children, but can be a more transparent tool for searches if used with supervision.
Duck AI – the AI with a focus on data protection and privacy
DuckDuckGo is known as a data-saving search engine and browser. The browser does not collect any data, does not record IP addresses and blocks advertising. With Duck AI, the service now also offers its own AI function, also with a strong focus on data protection: queries are sent to the models anonymously, chats are not saved and data is not passed on for training purposes. The AI can be used free of charge, even without your own DuckDuckGo browser. This can be a reliable alternative for parents for whom the protection of personal data is particularly important. Again, this is not a special offer for children, but an option with clearly communicated data protection.
KinderGPT – the AI especially for children
KinderGPT is a German service that is specifically aimed at families. Content is filtered and prepared in an age-appropriate way. Parents can limit usage times or approve subject areas. According to the provider HillcrownAI, no personal data is passed on. The basic version is free, additional functions can be activated for a fee. KinderGPT does not replace supervision, but offers a protected environment in which children can gain their first experiences with AI.
Which AI service is suitable depends largely on what it is to be used for. Together with your child, think about where your priorities lie: quick and easy use, high security or verifiable results? If you are aware of what you expect from an AI, you can also look for ‘the right one’.
Stay up to date on what AI can do and where the pitfalls lie. AI offerings are developing rapidly and new offerings are constantly being added. It is therefore important to stay informed about new possibilities and limitations.
Regardless of the service you choose: Discuss safe behavior when using AI with your child. Explain what data can be given to an AI – and what should remain private. Find out together how AI works and how you can question and check results to be sure. Also be aware of your role as a role model.
And finally: Get to know contact points together where you can find support if problems arise.
Whether dance trends, comedy or small everyday moments – TikTok inspires young people worldwide. The platform invites them to get creative, try out new things and get in touch with others. For many young people, it has long been more than just entertainment – it is part of their everyday lives.
TikTok combines social media and video app. Users choose from a library of well-known songs, audio or film quotes, film playback or create their own clips. The videos usually only last a few seconds to minutes, but clips of up to ten minutes are now also possible. Some videos trigger hype, are imitated or continued as challenges.
Public videos can be viewed via the browser, an account is required for your own uploads. TikTok offers many additional functions: Duets (filming together), stitches (sharing clips from others), live streams and the
Young people appreciate TikTok for fun, sharing and self-presentation. The app is low-threshold: with effects, a music library and simple editing options, you can quickly create your own videos. Unlike
TikTok motivates young users to realize their own ideas: Dance moves, comedy, experiments, tutorials or role-playing games. Many learn how to plan content, develop small storyboards and combine music with visual effects.
TikTok is continuously developing its security functions:
Despite these measures, the feed remains algorithm-controlled. Content can be filtered, e.g. videos from people with disabilities or those that are censored in individual countries. The app’s endless loops can also lead to heavy usage pressure.
Clarify motivation: Ask your child why they want to use TikTok – entertainment, creativity or sharing? Explain that likes, followers and comments can influence self-perception.
Step-by-step introduction: Start by exploring the app together via the browser, without an account. If you set it up together later, make sure you enter the year of birth correctly – this is the only way to ensure that the safety functions relevant to the protection of minors work. Check the settings step by step: privacy, comments, time limits.
Use security functions: Enable accompanied mode, private accounts, restricted comments and content filters. Deactivate livestreams, duets and stitches under the age of 16. The step-by-step instructions on medien-kindersicher.de will help you to set up all the important settings correctly.
Rules for private messagesDefine together who is allowed to send DMs or voice messages. Deactivate this function completely if required. Only allow group chats with known people.
Protect your privacyExplain never to share personal data such as name, school or address. Show how faces can be covered with stickers or backgrounds. Point out possible biometric data collection through filters.
Time management and balance: Agree fixed screen times, plan breaks and encourage activities outside the app. Actively accompany your child instead of just controlling them.
Reflective approach to content: Discuss advertising, filters, influencers and trends. Show how content is reported or blocked. Use the restart function to critically scrutinize recommendations.
Encourage communication: Encourage your child to report cyberbullying or harassment. Practise reporting and blocking together. Talk about respectful commenting and digital empathy. More information can be found in TikTok’s guide for parents (in cooperation with the FSM).
Strengthen critical thinking: Explain how algorithms work, what opportunities there are to earn money and how content can have a manipulative effect. This teaches your child to examine information critically.
Accompany instead of monitor: occasionally watch videos together, reflect on the rules and adjust them if necessary. Trust is the most important basis.
Of course, you know your child’s friends from school or the sports club. But what about acquaintances with whom your child has contact only via the Internet? Whether online gaming, in video chats or via social media – wherever children and young people communicate with each other, they can come into contact with people who have negative intentions. According to the JIM Study 2024, almost a third of the 12-19-year-olds surveyed had experienced sexual harassment online.
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok or Discord, which children and young people like to use, also attract users with paedocriminal tendencies. This is criminal behavior directed against minors. Adults approach children with the aim of sexually harassing or even abusing them. This targeted approach online is called cybergrooming.
The strategies are varied – but they are always aimed at gaining the trust of children and young people and gaining control over communication.
A clear warning signal is if the stranger wants to move the chat to a private messenger such as WhatsApp or Telegram – because nobody can read it there. This chat should remain secret at all costs. In such private conversations, trust is built up that can later be exploited. This is often followed by a request for intimate photos or videos. These can then be used for
You can find out more about this problematic phenomenon in this video from the Kinderschutzbund:
You can find more tips on how to protect your child from sexual violence on social networks here.
Children and young people are particularly curious. Therefore, they sometimes forget all warnings and can fall into a trap. Make it absolutely clear to your child that even in such cases, the perpetrator is solely to blame. Cybergrooming – even attempts – are punishable in Germany. If your child is sexually harassed, be there for your child and do not blame him or her. Report the perpetrators on the respective platform or to reporting centers. Secure evidence by taking screenshots of the chat history and profile and make sure you report it to the police! But be careful with depictions of abuse of children and young people. It is a criminal offense to possess them. The Internet Complaints Office has summarized information on dealing with depictions of abuse online in this PDF. You can find more information on this topic in this article.
Children and young people can find help, advice and information here:
The following contact points are available for parents:
You can find more digital advice for children, young people and parents here.
Did you know that your child can hear even before he or she is born? The ear is the first sensory organ to develop during pregnancy.
Hearing also plays a special role in babies and toddlers. Babies can recognize the voice of their caregiver at an early age. Hearing is important for perceiving the environment and learning to speak. Since young children cannot yet read, they are especially dependent on hearing. They enjoy being read to or listening to audio stories.
From kindergarten age at the latest, children are fascinated by audio media such as music, podcasts and radio plays. Many children like to use their own listening box for this. From kindergarten age, you can produce little audio stories together or try out games with sounds. This trains accurate listening and helps to learn to speak well. Here are a few options.
You can go for a walk with small children from the age of 3 and listen carefully: What do we hear? What actually makes a noise? Tip: close your eyes – then your ears will perceive even more.
When your child is a little older, you can go on a sound safari together. Every smartphone has a built-in microphone, and many also have an app for recording voice memos. Go outside, e.g. into the forest. Collect different sounds together and record them. Do you and your child recognize the sounds afterwards? If you are out with several children, you can make a sound puzzle out of it and let each other guess which sounds were recorded.
Speaking needs to be practiced – and is particularly fun for children when they are allowed to consciously discover their own voice. Small vocal exercises such as speaking loudly and softly, trying out different moods or reciting tongue twisters strengthen articulation and expression. In this way, your child learns to use their voice in a playful way. You can find exercises for speech training here on Auditorix. In the next step, you and your child can conduct a short interview – for example with a family member, a neighbor or a friend. Topics such as favorite places, hobbies or wishes for the future are a good place to start. In this way, your child not only trains their voice, but also learns to listen, ask specific questions and shape conversations.
Producing and recording music yourself is fun for children and encourages their creativity. Your child can create their own sounds and rhythms with simple means – for example, with everyday objects such as cans and rubber bands or rattles made from rice and cups. Those who prefer to work digitally can use music apps such as GarageBand or Indigo Pads to playfully try out instruments and record their own melodies. This quickly creates a little beat that makes a radio play sound livelier and emphasizes moods, for example.
Almost every child has a favorite book or story. Make a little radio play out of it together. This works with children aged 4 and over. With a smartphone or tablet, you can easily record and combine different soundtracks – for example, using the Audio Adventure app. Read the dialog with distributed roles and think together about how you can use music and add sounds to the story. What does it sound like when it’s raining or storming outside? An overview of how to create sounds yourself can be found on Auditorix. You can find video instructions on how to tell stories with a tablet at kinder.jff.de.
If the weather doesn’t invite you to go out, your child can solve audio puzzles on AUDIYOUkids or Planet Schule, set a story to music themselves or put together an audio play. Accompany your child – especially if they can’t read yet. Children of primary school age and above can also learn to edit audio recordings here.
Then get your ears ready and have fun listening together, making noises and setting stories to music!
Having their own tablet can be exciting for children: playing games, reading books, getting creative or using educational apps. However, many parents ask themselves: when is it worth giving them their own device – and when is the family tablet enough?
A shared tablet makes sense in the early years. Your child can try out content while you accompany, explain and restrict what they see and do. One family device is often enough to gain initial experience with apps, videos or games and to reflect on media use together.
It makes sense for your child to have their own tablet if they want to use media independently on a regular basis, pursue their own interests or use learning apps that require personal accounts. For children from around 6 to 7 years of age, having their own device can be useful if you clearly regulate and supervise their use.
The decisive factor is not the age, but the maturity of your child: Can they follow the rules? Do they know how to surf the net safely? Can they reflect on content and differentiate between games, learning and entertainment? Only when these skills are in place is it worth having your own device.
A tablet for children should be robust, intuitive to use and not too expensive. Simple devices with a sturdy casing and a child-friendly interface are good entry-level options. Check whether educational apps, audio books or creative tools are useful and whether in-app purchases and advertising can be deactivated.
Whether it’s a family or personal device: define usage times, content and rules together. Parental controls, family accounts and parental control apps help to control media use. Reflect together: How long is your child allowed to use the tablet? What content is allowed?
Having your own tablet can promote digital independence if you accompany them: Explain functions, try out educational apps together and talk critically about advertising, algorithms and content. In this way, your child learns to use media consciously and reflectively.
Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask your personal questions about your child’s media use directly and conveniently using the messenger service via WhatsApp or Threema. You can find more information here.
“Just ask a chatbot!” – This is a tip that parents now often hear when it comes to quickly searching for information or support with tasks. ChatGPT has long since become part of everyday life not only for adults, but also for children and young people. We provide an insight into what the tool can do, how it works and what you should look out for.
ChatGPT is an AI-based chatbot that analyzes texts and writes them itself. It can answer questions, provide ideas or summarize longer texts in natural language and often with astonishing precision. The AI has been trained with huge amounts of data from books, websites and conversations and mimics human communication. ChatGPT can also be integrated into other services, such as WhatsApp or Instagram.
The free version uses the GPT-4o-mini model with training data up to around October 2023 and can also access the internet to a limited extent. The Plus version has comprehensive internet access and offers additional functions.
Question: I am planning my son’s birthday. Can you help?
ChatGPT: Sure! How old will your son be and what does he particularly like? Then we can collect ideas for games, decorations or food.
Question: He’ll be nine and loves dinosaurs.
ChatGPT: How about a dinosaur treasure hunt in the garden? You can hide little figures and draw a map. Or bake dino cookies – would you like me to find you a recipe?
With “Family Pairing”, OpenAI offers the option of linking parent and child accounts in order to offer underage users more protection. The aim is to show
ChatGPT is easily accessible, fast and versatile. It can write creative texts, answer complex questions and communicate in several languages. For many children, it feels like they are talking to a real person. The tool encourages creativity, language comprehension and structured thinking, while supporting digital independence.
Children and young people use ChatGPT for example for:
OpenAI emphasizes:
Try it out together: Test ChatGPT together. Then discuss which answers are useful or problematic. This will help your child learn how to deal critically with AI.
Use the family pairing function: Check the settings and activate protection mechanisms if necessary.
Encourage critical thinking: Explain that ChatGPT does not provide “truth” but recognizes patterns. Answers can be wrong or contain prejudices.
Keep an eye on data protection: Do not disclose any personal data together, i.e. no names, addresses, telephone numbers or photos. If your child uses ChatGPT via WhatsApp or other apps, discuss the fact that additional data is shared there.
For school: ChatGPT can support learning, for example to explain difficult terms simply or to summarize texts. However, it should not be used for homework. Make it clear to your child: AI is a tool that can support learning, but cannot take over.
Keep the conversation going: Encourage your child to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or receive inappropriate content. AI can be exciting, but should always be used consciously and critically.
The first Esports World Cup (EWC) took place in 2024. The event was watched by over 500 million viewers. Divided into 22 tournaments, the prize money totaled USD 60 million (= approx. €51.46 million). The games played included
The E in e-sport stands for “electronic”. The term therefore means something like “electronic sport”. The game is played on the computer or on a game console, either alone or in teams against each other. Players receive important league points or move up a rank. Real-time strategy games and first-person shooters are the most popular due to their complexity and entertainment value. This is because e-sports tournaments are played in front of a live audience – similar to a soccer match in a stadium. However, compared to traditional sports such as soccer or tennis, e-sports do not involve a great deal of physical exertion. It is primarily mental and motor skills that are trained and developed. These include, for example, tactics, fast reaction times, stamina and forward thinking. Organizational talent and social skills are also in demand: training times have to be arranged, agreements made within the team and often the athletes have to make their own financial arrangements.
Long before e-sports became an issue in Germany, e-athletes were already being celebrated like pop stars in Asia. In some countries, e-sports is even classified as a sport in its own right. E-sports will also be considered a non-profit sport in Germany from 01.01.2026. This brings financial and legal benefits and security for the sport and gamers. For example, clubs will be supported by public funding, e-sports will receive broader social recognition and become more competitive. Children and young people benefit from the recognition of e-sports as a non-profit activity in that they experience participation and community through broader, more accessible and more sustainable offers in the club. As e-sports mainly take place online, barriers such as location dependency or lack of accessibility can be overcome more easily. This makes it possible to play in a team with gamers from other countries or to play in an inclusive group.
The new amendment to the law now officially defines e-sports as a term. As with other sports, it emphasizes the importance of tactical, motor and strategic skills. If you are active as an e-athlete and play well, you can even make a lucrative business out of it. The dream of many e-athletes is to become better and better and more famous so that one day they can earn a living from it and turn their hobby into a career. There are also clubs where players can sign contracts.
If your child is an e-sports player or would like to become one, find out about the USK age ratings for the respective games. They provide information on whether the game is safe from the point of view of the protection of minors, i.e. whether it does not contain any harmful content for the respective age. E-sports can quickly tempt you to play for a very long time and spend money on equipment. You should therefore define clear rules together with your child, such as playing times and duration, and also make framework conditions, such as financial ones, clear. Also find out who your child communicates with about the game – they are usually the same friends your child spends time with. Also observe your child’s gaming behavior so that you can react if other activities such as spending time with friends outside of gaming or school are neglected. Have a conversation with your child and talk about why they would like to become an e-athlete. Show interest, let them show you their favorite games and why not try them out for yourself! This way you can experience for yourself why your child enjoys the game so much as a competition. And perhaps you and your child will soon be playing together.
It can happen that children or young people come across content online that depicts violence. When scrolling through social media, on video platforms or when such videos are shared in group chats in Messenger. This may involve fights, abuse, accidents or drastic images from war zones. Such content can frighten and disturb children or young people. It also violates the right to one’s own image of the person concerned and may even be punishable by law.
Under no circumstances should such content be redistributed. This prevents even more people from seeing the content. If the content is illegal, publishing and redistributing it can even have criminal consequences.
We can also encourage young people to do even more by not ignoring such content, but actively reporting it. Look together to see where the report function can be found on the platforms used, such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok or YouTube. According to the terms of use, violent and cruel content is not permitted and should be deleted. Messages or people can also be reported on WhatsApp.
The online advice platform for young people Juuuport even offers a separate reporting option for young people, e.g. for violent videos, extremism or hate speech. The internet complaints offices FSM, eco and jugendschutz.net then take care of these complaints.
Violence also plays a role in fictional media content, such as films, series or games. Content that is easy for older children, teenagers and adults to process can frighten young children. This is why there are age restrictions for depictions of violence in the media, which are regulated by the protection of minors in the media. The age labels of films or computer games show you as parents from what age the content shown is suitable.
However, children and young people can also come across real depictions of violence online. An experience report from Juuuport clearly shows how differently young people deal with violent videos online and can make it easier for you to start the conversation.
Talk to your child about possible negative experiences online. Show them the reporting and blocking functions on the relevant platforms and discuss how algorithms select content. Also explain how to ‘maintain’ or reset this content to keep your child’s online experience safer and healthier. Talk about what it means when photos or videos have a ‘sensitive content warning’ and what your child should do if this happens. Also find out about the legal regulations for the protection of minors in the media and about technical protection options via apps and settings for your child on devices or in individual services.
Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask your personal questions about your child’s media use directly and conveniently using the messenger service via WhatsApp or Threema. You can find more information here.
