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Popular games: Minecraft Legends

Minecraft Legends is an action-packed strategy game in which players lead an army of different creatures to defend the beautiful island world from the hostile pig creatures. The game is designed for planning, resource management and tactical battles and appeals to experienced children and young people.

In brief

  • Spin-off game of the popular sandbox game Minecraft
  • Real-time strategy game in the Minecraft universe
  • Age rating: released from 12 years (USK), recommended from 12 years (NRW game guide)
  • Minecraft Legends is available for the computer (from €39.99 standard edition) and for consoles such as Playstation, Xbox and Switch (from 39,99€ standard edition)
  • Problematic content: In-game purchases and DLC (expansions)

Minecraft Legends

Minecraft Legends is a real-time strategy game from the Minecraft-universe. The game world is built from the familiar Minecraft blocks. However, the gameplay is more focused on tactics and teamwork than the classic Minecraft building and exploration. The spin-off game particularly appeals to players who enjoy a mixture of strategy and action.

Minecraft Legends offers both a single-player and a multiplayer mode.

Players take on the role of heroes and lead an army of different Minecraft creatures on their mounts. The aim is to protect the overworld from the threat of the “Piglins” (hostile pig creatures) from the underworld. Players liberate villages, build castles and walls and destroy enemy fortresses. To do this, they must collect resources and make strategic decisions to fend off the enemy hordes.

What fascinates children and young people about it?

Minecraft Legends is popular with children and young people because it takes elements from the popular Minecraft universe and turns them into an exciting and accessible strategy game. Players act in a familiar world and play with the familiar Minecraft block creatures. At the same time, they use their creativity and strategic skills to defeat the enemy Piglins. The ability to take on opponents in epic battles and cooperate with friends makes it a fun multiplayer experience. At the same time, the game offers enough depth to keep players hooked. The mix of adventure, teamwork and tactical challenges is particularly appealing to experienced Minecraft and strategy players.

What can be problematic about the offer?

The mixture of real-time strategy and action is a playful challenge and can be particularly overwhelming for younger players. As there are neither detailed instructions nor a clear learning path for how to proceed, access is rather difficult for beginners. The strategic elements require tactical thinking and well thought-out planning. The fast-paced battle with the Piglins is sometimes so challenging that it can frustrate inexperienced players.

Minecraft Legends offers single-player content, but places a strong focus on multiplayer mode. Children and young people can use it to get in contact with other players and are confronted with communication risks. The violence in the game is presented in a classic Minecraft setting and does not contain any brutal depictions. Nevertheless, the frequent confrontation with opponents could be unpleasant or unsettling for sensitive children. Minecraft Legends features a marketplace where additional skins and mounts can be purchased for real money. There are also paid seasonal expansions (DLC).

What does the provider think?

The privacy policy and terms of use are available in German on the Minecraft website. Data is adequately protected in compliance with the GDPR.

Minecraft Legends is linked to a Microsoft account that parents can use to set up parental controls.

What should parents pay attention to?

Minecraft Legends is a complex game that is particularly suitable for experienced children and young people aged 12 and over. Make sure you offer your child age-appropriate games and agree on clear rules for using games in the family.

The game can present some challenges. Although the violence in Minecraft Legends is presented in a more child-friendly way, the game contains many warlike elements. Watch your child to see how they cope with the conflicts and battles in the game and be there to support them.

Technical protective measures can help to make your child’s gaming experience safer. Various functions can be set via the parental controls in the Microsoft account:

  • Minecraft Legends contains microtransactions that allow players to buy virtual items such as skins. Explain the background to such in-game purchases to your child and limit the purchase options to avoid unwanted spending.
  • The game offers a chat function for communicating with other players. Talk to your child about how to deal with communication risks and make protection settings together. The chat can either be filtered or deactivated completely.
  • Minecraft Legends places a strong focus on the online multiplayer mode. Adjust the privacy settings and, if necessary, restrict functions so that your child can only interact with players they know.

You can find more information about the Microsoft account settings at medien-kindersicher.de

NYZZU – Social network for friendship and security

Does your child watch older siblings or friends use social media every day? Perhaps they are already interested in platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and the like? Social media apps place high demands on the media skills of young users. This is exactly where the new NYZZU app comes in: It has been specially developed for children, young people and families. It aims to offer a protected space that focuses on privacy, safety and responsible media use.

In brief

  • Social network: Can be used free of charge after registering via the app
  • Registration: with cell phone number (mandatory) and e-mail address (optional)
  • Age specifications: From 0 years (Google Play Store/USK), from 9 years (Apple App Store)
  • Functions: Share, like and comment on photos and videos with contacts
  • Provider: NYZZU Media GmbH

What is NYZZU?

NYZZU is a social network where users can take their first steps in digital networks – age-appropriate and without overwhelming content.

Similar to other well-known platforms, users share photos and videos with their contacts. Liking and commenting on posts is also possible. Unlike other apps, NYZZU does not use algorithms. The posts in the feed appear in chronological order. This allows users to keep track of what their friends are posting and when. Content can be shared with several people in groups. There is no classic chat function.

Security and data protection have top priority at NYZZU: friendships can only be made between people who have saved each other in their address book. This protective mechanism is designed to prevent children from interacting with unwanted contacts. Personal content can be shared “privately” between two people or made visible to mutual friends. All posts can also be deleted at any time. The screenshot function is deactivated to prevent content from spreading beyond the app.

What makes NYZZU interesting for children and young people?

NYZZU takes on many of the functions of traditional social media and yet differs from them. The new app does not focus on the most popular or viral content, but on everyday, personal posts from normal life. A Like on NYZZU can have a greater meaning for children and young people than on other platforms, as it is less about public recognition and more about sharing with friends and family. The absence of algorithms and influencers reduces pressure and the potential for addiction.

Children and young people can use the app as a digital photo album in which they can share their experiences and memories. Adding filters and music to photos and videos makes NYZZU a creative space that is fun for children and young people.

What can be problematic about the offer?

  • NYZZU does not actively pass on any data to third parties and has no access to personalized user data. However, it cannot be ruled out that external services such as app stores may collect users’ personal data as part of their own data protection guidelines.
  • Within groups, each member can add people they are friends with. This makes it possible to share posts with and from people you do not know personally.
  • NYZZU pays great attention to data protection and provides options for reporting other users. However, there is no one hundred percent protection against communication risks such as hate speech and cyberbullying.
  • NYZZU is still new on the market and has yet to establish itself. This can make it more difficult for children and young people to get involved with the app – especially if many of their friends (still) prefer other platforms.

What does the provider think?

“Respect your friendship” – it is particularly important to the founders of NYZZU to create a safe space in which friends and family members of all ages can stay in contact with each other safely. On its website, NYZZU’s code of conduct clearly opposes bullying, discrimination and abuse. The NYZZU Codex explains potential communication risks and refers to digital counseling services.

NYZZU follows the principle of “Safety by Design”. Safety settings such as follower requests are activated by default. Inappropriate posts can be reported directly via a reporting function. The design of the website, including the terms and conditions, the codex and the privacy policy, are youth-friendly.

Children under the age of 13 require parental consent to use the app. When registering, the parents’ e-mail address must be provided and the registration confirmed via a link. NYZZU is part of the Seitenstark network as a high-quality and child-friendly online service.

What should parents pay attention to?

If your child will soon be getting their first smartphone, NYZZU could be a suitable app to get them started. Register together with your child and set rules for use together. Make sure that no sensitive or personal data is shared when creating the profile.

Show your child where they can find safety functions such as the reporting function and how they can use them. Also talk to your child about challenges such as communication risks like hate speech. Educate your child about privacy online and make them understand which personal data they should not share.

To ensure that your child can actively use NYZZU, it is advisable to talk about the app with friends, family and other parents. Although other social media apps are also very popular, you can lead by example and try out alternative apps like NYZZU together with your child. And if you like it: invite others to join in!

Online hate speech: recognize, understand and act

Social media and messenger apps such as Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and Snapchat are particularly popular with young people. This is where they post articles, network and discuss topics that concern them. Of course, not everyone always agrees on every topic. Just like in real life, conflicts, discussions and misunderstandings also occur between young people on the internet. Most of the time, this is harmless and there is no need for you as parents to worry. However, the internet also brings new challenges: Some discussions can get out of hand and turn into deliberate hostility or hate speech.

What is Hate Speech?

The internet can help to lower the inhibition thresholds for insults, hatred and discrimination. Many people are quicker to write derogatory or hurtful things online that they would never say in person. Protected by anonymity and distance, they often forget that there are real people on the other side.

Hate speech can take many forms. It is often directed against entire groups – such as people with a different skin color, religion, sexual orientation or origin.
Typical characteristics of hate speech are: derogatory language or insults, calls for exclusion or violence or the spread of misanthropic ideologies.

While cyberbullying usually targets a specific person, hate speech often affects entire population groups.

Important to know: Hate comments can not only be offensive, but also punishable by law. No-hate-speech.de explains clearly which forms of hate speech can violate the law.

Hidden hate messages: right-wing codes and dog whistling

Not every hate message online is immediately recognizable. Extremist groups often use so-called secret signs and terms that appear harmless to outsiders but send clear messages in certain circles.

Dog whistling means sending a message that only insiders can understand – just as a dog whistle can only be heard by dogs. On the internet, dog whistling is used to spread radical or extremist content without openly violating platform rules or laws. This makes it harder to immediately recognize hate and hate speech.

Watch out for unusual terms, emojis or hashtags popping up. Typical examples are:

  • Frog emoji 🐸 (“Pepe”): The cartoon character “Pepe the Frog” was originally a harmless internet meme. Nowadays, right-wing extremist groups use the symbol specifically to promote their ideology – often in connection with racist or anti-Semitic statements.
  • Pineapple emoji 🍍: In certain conspiracy ideology and right-wing extremist circles, the pineapple is used as a hidden reference to a right-wing world view – for example as a symbol for alleged secret elites or as part of coded hate messages.
  • Numbers like “14” or “88”: The number “14” stands for the “14 words” (“We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children” | in German “Wir müssen die Existenz unseres Volkes und eine Zukunft für weiße Kinder sichern”), so it is a racist motto. The number “88” is used as code for “Heil Hitler” (H is the 8th letter in the alphabet).
  • Terms such as “redpilled”: The term originally comes from the movie Matrix, but is now also used by extremist groups to describe an alleged “awakening to the truth”, usually linked to conspiracy ideology or racist content.

You can find more examples in the article “Geheime Codes von Rechtsextremen online” (Campact) or in the YouTube video “Dog Whistling erklärt” (Berliner Register).

Of course, there doesn’t have to be malicious intent behind every unusual symbol. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a closer look at strange symbols or terms together with young people and asking questions.

What can parents do?

Talk about hate speech. Talk to your child about online discrimination and its consequences. Young people often close themselves off if they are affected themselves and are insulted or hostile online. If it is common practice in your home to talk openly about everything, your child will be more likely to turn to you in confidence if the worst comes to the worst. Topics for discussion could be What is respectful behavior? How does hate speech feel for those affected? How can you defend yourself against hate online?

Important: The same rules should apply online as in real life – fairness, openness and appreciation.

Offer support. Let your child know that they are not alone when they experience hate online. Listen and take your child seriously.
Save evidence by taking screenshots of offensive comments or messages. Many platforms have functions for reporting hate messages – either directly in the app or via special contact points that deal with problematic content online. If necessary, advice centers or online portals can help.

Take an active stand against hate. Hate online should not simply be accepted. Young people can learn: to support those affected by making friendly comments, to report hate messages and to take a stand with respectful counter-speech (without putting themselves at risk). Projects such as #NichtEgal help young people to show civil courage online and promote a positive culture of discussion.

Helpful information and support services

Online shopping at Shein, Temu & Co. – to be enjoyed with caution

Clothing, leisure items, school supplies … shopping is often done online these days. Young people in particular like to use Shein and Temu, for example. The stores entice shoppers with very low prices, high discounts and targeted advertising – especially on social media. But caution is advised.

Temu and Shein – what’s behind the online stores?

For a long time, Amazon was the undisputed largest online retailer. However, other platforms have become increasingly present in recent years. They are called Temu, Shein, AliExpress or Wish, are often based in Asian countries and combine extremely low prices with a strikingly aggressive advertising strategy. The two largest and best-known providers are Shein and Temu:

  • Temu is an online marketplace from China, headquartered in Dublin, where companies sell items in all categories – from clothing and furnishings to electronics. Temu has been active in Germany since 2023. Users can not only shop via the portal, but also play games. The aim is to encourage them to return frequently.
  • Shein is an online store from Singapore that primarily offers “fast fashion” (i.e. very affordable and often short-lived clothing). The platform has been available in Germany since 2015. The company primarily advertises to a young target group on social networks and also works with influencers.

AliExpress and Wish also have similar offers and strategies – with comparable risks.

Why do these stores appeal so strongly to children and young people?

The platforms work with superlatives: they have extremely large product ranges that are changing rapidly. They offer very low prices and very high discounts – and they advertise louder, more aggressively and more pointedly than all other providers.

Children and young people can hardly avoid the platforms: they are shown personalized ads on social media, but influencers also frequently advertise online marketplaces. In this way, the platforms turn themselves into online trends and become attractive to young shoppers.

What should users know?

The seemingly unbelievable offers come at a price:

  • Poor quality: Because the bargain platforms primarily sell a lot of goods quickly and at a low price, they are often not of good quality. Both users and mystery shoppers complain that the cheap products are of poor quality and often do not meet their requirements.
  • No sustainability: The focus on quick sales means that sustainability falls by the wayside: the production and sales channels are opaque, manufacturing conditions, working conditions and product ingredients are often unclear and long flight routes have a negative impact on the environment.
  • Legal gray areas: Providers often operate in a legal gray area. They circumvent EU tax and customs regulations and have legal disputes with many EU countries due to a lack of consumer protection.
  • Data protection problems: And finally, stores often don’t take data protection very seriously either – they collect data and analyze it for their advertising strategies. There have also been accusations that data is being sold.

What parents should pay attention

If your child shops on these platforms, it is important that you take a close look together beforehand: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such platforms. Consider together to what extent and for which products it makes sense to use them. And discuss how you can make the purchase as secure as possible: Many platforms require payment in advance – but the risk can be reduced by making sure you use secure payment methods such as buyer protection (e.g. with PayPal or credit cards). Also take a look at your cell phone settings: Only give the app the most necessary authorizations. For example, shopping providers do not need to know your location and push notifications can be deactivated.

Also question advertising on social media together: What is a genuine recommendation and what is paid advertising (sponsorship)? If your child shows interest in a product, don’t just look at the price, but also compare the quality from other suppliers. This will help you avoid disappointment or duplicate purchases.

Even better: look for sustainable, trustworthy and affordable alternatives to marketplaces together. Second-hand suppliers, for example, often also have a large selection of products at reasonable prices – and with far fewer catches.

Tip: Use this topic to talk to your child about values when shopping: Do clothes always have to be new? What is important to me – price, style, quality, environment? How much do I really need? Such conversations help young people to critically question consumption and make good decisions.

Further links and information

Casual games – games for in between

A quick game of cards on the bus, quickly mowing the lawn at the supermarket checkout, jumping on trains while waiting for your meal in the restaurant or puzzling out words together on the sofa in the evening. This is how casual games work – simple digital games. They range from small mobile games like Candy Crush to big console titles like Mario Party. What they all have in common is that they are easily accessible, entertaining and often particularly beginner-friendly. They are simple, fast and always accessible. But they are not completely problem-free.

What are casual games?

The term “casual games” means occasional games. Their most important characteristics are

  • They are often available free of charge and can usually be used on smartphones, PCs and consoles.
  • They have simple game principles that can be understood and implemented immediately.
  • They can be played in small bites at any time.
  • They usually work with rewards, leaderboards and flashy visuals to motivate users to keep playing.

Well-known examples include Candy Crush, Quizduell, Subway Surfer and Mahjong. But also Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing also count as casual games due to their relaxed gameplay and broad target group. These games are now so popular that more than half of people in Germany play them at least occasionally. In 2023, 5.1 billion euros in sales were generated across Germany with these small games.

Casual gaming in the family

Casual games are also frequently found in families. Thanks to their simple design, they appeal to all family members and have fans in all age groups. Even family members who are not real gamers are often enthusiastic about the “little gaming experience in between”. In many casual games, players can connect with each other, play against each other or help each other. This creates a shared experience that brings the family together. But solo games such as Unpacking or A Little to the Left also invite you to think, organize and relax – without any time pressure or pressure to perform. Some games promote skills such as responsiveness, logical thinking or problem-solving and are therefore an entertaining and educational pastime for children and young people.

What should parents pay attention to?

Despite all the fun, as parents you should always keep an eye on the problematic aspects of so-called “handbag games” – and discuss these with your child:

  • Age information: Discuss with your child which apps they are allowed to use on their own smartphone. Pay attention to the USK age rating and find out about suitable, age-appropriate offers. A look at the USK rating also reveals whether additional money can be spent in the game or whether a chat function is included. The NRW Game Guide reviews and describes games from an educational perspective. The ratings are a good basis for forming your own opinion – on Candy Crush, for example.
  • Time: click, reward, again! Casual games are often packed with incentives, rewards and small challenges that tempt you to keep playing. Children in particular therefore find it difficult to stop in time and use the games to a healthy extent. Talk openly with your child about the use of these game apps. Agree a time budget together and use the settings options on the devices to help your child use them consciously.
  • Costs: Even if many casual games can initially be downloaded free of charge, this does not mean that they really cost nothing. Many offers rely on in-game purchases. These microtransactions can be used to boost powers or acquire useful items for real money, for example. This can quickly add up and become expensive. Agree with your child how much money they can spend. If necessary, deactivate in-app purchases in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on the smartphone or alternatively use a voucher card for the app stores. Some casual games only have to be paid for once, but offer a complete and high-quality gaming experience without any in-app purchases or advertising.
  • Data: Another issue is data protection: not all providers handle personal data with care. If your child provides information carelessly, it is often impossible to understand what it is being used for. Discuss with your child which data they are allowed to disclose and where.

Casual games can be a great way to pass the time while waiting for the bus – without any unwanted side effects.

Podcasts for teenagers

They have been around since the turn of the millennium – but they have only become an integral part of everyday life in recent years, especially since the coronavirus pandemic: podcasts. Almost half of people in Germany regularly listen to podcasts – young people even more than adults. Many formats are aimed specifically at young people, others more at adults.

What is a podcast?

Podcasts are audio broadcasts that you can listen to or subscribe to online – similar to radio broadcasts, but more flexible: you can listen to them anytime and anywhere. The name is made up of “pod” (playable on demand) and “cast” (broadcast).

In addition to classic audio podcasts, there are also video podcasts or formats that combine both. Most podcasts appear regularly in series form – with a fixed topic, such as sport, culture or news. Sometimes the episodes are self-contained, sometimes they build on each other.

Podcasts are in trend

Audio formats are practical: they are easy to listen to on the go and can quickly relieve boredom. There are podcasts in which people talk casually about their everyday lives or “God and the world” – and others that deal specifically with certain topics. Many young people like podcasts because they are both entertaining and informative. Listening to podcasts often creates the feeling of being particularly close to the podcasters – especially when they talk about personal things. This sometimes has a similar effect to influencers on social media.

There are many podcasts that are deliberately made for young people and are dedicated to youth topics. Often, the “hosts” (i.e. the people who lead through the podcast) are very much in the foreground. Young people then listen not only because of the content, but above all because of the person, for example when influencers have their own podcasts. Podcasts such as “Dick & Doof“, “Hobbylos” or “Gemischtes Hack” are very popular with young people. But true crime podcasts are also popular, i.e. formats in which real criminal cases are told, such as in “Mordlust” or “ZEIT Verbrechen“.

What should parents pay attention to?

Unlike videos or games, podcasts do not yet have to be labeled with an age rating in order to protect minors. Labelling has long been considered, but the sheer number of podcasts makes it difficult to implement. So anyone can produce and publish a podcast – with any content. Therefore, regularly ask what podcasts your child listens to and find out about them.

Another point: Many podcasts contain advertising – it is often spoken directly by the hosts and is not always clearly recognizable. Advertising can have an influence, especially on young people. Many podcasts are financed by advertising.

In addition, platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Deezer automatically suggest new content based on listening behavior. Not all suggested formats are age-appropriate. Keep a watchful eye – or discover suitable content together with your child.

Listening recommendations for teenagers

Podcasts aimed specifically at young people are usually ad-free, have an age recommendation and deal with topics that interest young people. But there are definitely podcasts that don’t have a specific age recommendation, but are still well suited for teens. Here are a few tips:

  • Where’s the pressure? – Recommended for ages 13 and up, available via various platforms (including Spotify and Podimo): Two actresses from the youth series DRUCK talk about their personal experiences with first love, annoying parents and bullying. Although there have been no new episodes since 2020, the old ones are still popular.
  • Heinefunk – recommended from the age of 11, available via various platforms (including Apple Podcast and Spotify): The podcast of a grammar school can also be exciting, because here pupils themselves have their say. It’s about current school life, which can also be interesting for outsiders – or the suggestion to set up your own school podcast.
  • TWEEN Screen – recommended from the age of 11; available via ARD Audiothek and Podimo: The youth podcast from MDR deals with the topic of media use and answers questions from young users.
  • Podcast to join in – recommended from the age of 14, available via ARD Audiothek and Spotify: “Schreib mich ab” is not just an exciting crime story, but an interactive podcast experience. Young listeners can help determine how the story develops via the podcast’s Instagram profile.
  • Listen, feel, understand – recommended for ages 12 and up, available via many portals (including Spotify): Four young presenters invite exciting guests and talk about everything that moves them. Everyday life and exceptional situations, nutrition, politics, taboos. “How we feel” is exciting to listen to and to sort out yourself and your own feelings.
  • Aha effect to go – recommended for ages 12 and up, available via their website and Spotify, among others: a journalist and six dedicated young people get to the bottom of topics that have always interested them and research topics such as black holes, self-driving cars and oat milk. “The Science Reporters” is concentrated knowledge by and for young people.
  • Always well informed – recommended from the age of 9 or 14, e.g. in the ARD Audiothek & Spotify: There are plenty of good news podcasts for children and young people. For example, the NDR children’s news, which presents the latest news for children aged 9 and over every week, or “0630“, where the presenters summarize the most important news from around the world every morning in a concise, informative and understandable way for young people aged 14 and over.

You can find more tips for podcasts for young people at Webhelm and the city magazine Känguru.

The Internet phenomenon memes

Egal ob witzige Tierbilder mit Sprechblasen, verfremdete Pressefotos oder neu interpretierte Szenen aus Filmen und Serien – Memes sind heutzutage überall im Internet zu finden. Memes werden durch das Teilen in sozialen Netzwerken schnell sehr bekannt und sind auch bei Kindern und Jugendlichen beliebt. Sie spiegeln Humor und Gruppenzugehörigkeit wider, können aber auch problematische Inhalte transportieren und verbreiten.

Was sind Memes?

Ein Bild, ein Video oder ein Filmausschnitt wird dann zum Meme, wenn es aus seinem ursprünglichen Kontext gerissen und mit einem neuen, oft humorvollen Text versehen wird. Besonders lustig sind Memes, wenn man das Original kennt – denn der Witz entsteht meist aus der überraschenden Kombination von Bekanntem und Neuem. Der Text ist dabei häufig ironisch gemeint.

Hinter Memes steckt oft eine kreative Idee, die immer wieder neu interpretiert wird und sich stetig weiterentwickelt. Memes werden auch genutzt, um Gefühle zu zeigen oder auf aktuelle politische und gesellschaftliche Themen aufmerksam zu machen. Berühmte Persönlichkeiten wie Goethe oder Napoleon oder Figuren aus Filmen und Comics bekommen neue, zeitgemäße Aussagen in den Mund gelegt. So wird aktueller Bezug zur heutigen Wirklichkeit hergestellt.

Das Besondere an Memes ist, dass dieselben Bilder immer wieder verwendet und mit einem neuen Text versehen werden. Ein bekanntes Beispiel ist „Hide the Pain Harold“ (Deutsch: „Verbirg den Schmerz, Harold“), das diesem Artikel als Beitragsbild dient. Dieses Meme zeigt den Ungarn Arató András mit einem gequälten Lächeln und wurde zu einem der bekanntesten Reaktionsbilder im Internet.

Es gibt verschiedene Meme-Formate: Ein klassisches Beispiel ist ein Bild mit einem witzigen Spruch in großer, weißer Schrift. Andere Memes bestehen aus Screenshots von Chats, Comic-Zeichnungen oder kurzen Videoclips. Viele Memes folgen bestimmten Vorlagen oder Trends. Wer sich in der Meme-Welt auskennt, erkennt diese Muster sofort.

Was Kinder und Jugendliche an Memes fasziniert

Für viele Jugendliche sind Memes weit mehr als bloße Unterhaltung – sie gehören fest zu ihrer (digitalen) Sprache. Mit Memes können sie Stimmungen, Gedanken oder Meinungen ausdrücken. Durch Ironie und Übertreibung lassen sich auch schwierige oder unangenehme Themen leichter ansprechen. Wer aktuelle Memes kennt oder selbst gestaltet, zeigt Zugehörigkeit zur eigenen Peer-Group.

Zudem fördern sie die Kreativität: Jugendliche probieren sich aus in Bildbearbeitung, Sprache und der Verbindung zu Trends in Social Media und Popkultur. Da Memes schnell erstellt und geteilt werden können, bieten sie eine einfache Möglichkeit, sich humorvoll und individuell mitzuteilen. Die visuelle Kommunikation ist ihnen ohnehin vertraut – Emojis, GIFs und Bilder ersetzen oft ganze Texte. Und da Kinder und Jugendliche gerne lachen und scherzen, treffen Memes genau ihre Vorlieben und verbreiten sich entsprechend schnell. Memes sind so beliebt, dass sie auch in der Offline-Welt präsent sind – zum Beispiel als Party-Kartenspiele oder Pausenhofgespräche.

Wenn Memes missbraucht werden

Auch wenn viele Memes harmlos oder lustig wirken, können sie problematische Inhalte transportieren. Manche Memes enthalten diskriminierende, rassistische oder sexistische Aussagen, machen sich über Minderheiten lustig oder verbreiten Verschwörungstheorien und politische Propaganda. Extremistische Gruppen nutzen Memes, um ihre Ideologien zu verbreiten – gerade bei Jugendlichen, die oft nicht hinterfragen, welche Botschaft dahintersteckt.

Oft werden sie anonym erstellt und rasant weiterverbreitet – ohne Rücksicht auf Urheberrechte oder die abgebildeten Personen. Besonders kritisch wird es, wenn Menschen durch Memes bloßgestellt oder herabgewürdigt werden, etwa wegen eines sichtbaren Handicaps. Wenn sich solche Inhalte stark verbreiten, kann das für die betroffenen Personen große negative Folgen haben.

Was sollten Eltern beachten?

Sie müssen kein*e Meme-Expert*in sein, um Ihr Kind gut zu begleiten – ein grundlegendes Verständnis reicht aus, um im Gespräch zu bleiben. Zeigen Sie Interesse an der Mediennutzung Ihres Kindes. Fragen Sie ruhig nach: Welches Meme ist gerade angesagt? So entsteht ein offener Austausch – auch über problematische oder verletzende Inhalte.

Sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Kind über einen respektvollen Umgang miteinander im Netz, die Grenzen von Humor und mögliche Diskriminierung. Unterstützen Sie es dabei, Inhalte kritisch zu hinterfragen: Wer steckt hinter einem Meme? Welche Botschaft wird vermittelt? Welche Wirkung kann es auf andere haben? Gehen Sie dabei mit gutem Beispiel voran: reflektieren Sie Ihre eigene Online-Kommunikation kritisch und sprechen Sie mit gemeinsam mit Ihrem Kind über Ihre Erfahrungen.

Auch Menschen, die sich für eine wertschätzende Kommunikationskultur im Netz engagieren, nutzen Memes, um Hass und Extremismus etwas entgegenzusetzen – eine Sammlung solcher Memes finden Sie zum Beispiel auf dem Instagram-Profil von Gustaver der Liebe.

Wenn Sie und Ihr Kind gern Memes anschauen oder teilen, werfen Sie gemeinsam einen kritischen Blick auf die Inhalte. Oder gestalten Sie selbst kreative und lustige Memes, zum Beispiel mit dem Online-Tool Meme Generator von imgflip.com oder der App Mematic. Das macht Spaß und fördert die Medienkompetenz.

Imgflip

The “Games in the family” offer – Educational assessments of popular video games

Children and young people are enthusiastic about mobile, computer and console games on platforms such as Xbox, PC, Playstation or Nintendo Switch. The “Games in the family” information service from the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) offers educational assessments of popular games and helps parents keep track of them.

In a nutshell:

  • Educational assessments of popular games for children and young people
  • Assessments of game content, learning potential and risks
  • Parents’ guide with tips on media education
  • Free of charge, without advertising, independent and publicly financed (bpb)
  • With accompanying offers such as parents’ evenings (parents’ LAN)

What does “Games in the family” offer?

The offer includes a selection of game reviews – from particularly popular titles to games with a learning effect. In addition to the game description, the reviews also contain information on genre, game mode (e.g. single or multiplayer), playing time, recommended age group and supported platforms. This makes it easier for parents to assess whether a game is suitable for their everyday family life. In addition, each review provides an educational assessment that highlights learning objectives and potential risks such as violent content or an excessive reward system.

In addition to the game ratings, “Games in the Family” offers a compact parents’ guide that answers questions about the everyday use of media and video games. For example:

  • What should be considered when choosing video games?
  • How can playtimes with children be arranged?
  • At what point are certain gambling habits questionable?

An extensive glossary also explains important terms from the gaming world – from “loot boxes” to “open world”.

Is “Games in the family” also something for children and young people?

Young people can find out about current games and thus better assess for themselves which game is suitable for their age. This promotes their media skills and helps them to reflect on their own gaming preferences.

What should parents pay attention to?

The educational assessments of the bpbdiffersignificantly in some cases from the age ratings of the USK. While the USK looks at content risks (e.g. violence or scary moments) and usage risks (e.g. chats or in-game purchases) on the basis of the German Youth Protection Act, the bpb takes into account factors such as game depth, emotional impact and understanding of age.

A game can be approved by the USK from the age of 6, but only be recommended by the bpb from the age of 12, for example because it contains complex content or online interactions.

Ideally, take several factors into account when choosing a game. Every child develops individually and reacts differently. Get different opinions, talk to other parents and try out games yourself if possible. Accompany your child in everyday play, talk about game content – and listen to why a game fascinates.

Don’t ban digital games outright, explain your concerns. This will help your child understand why they are not (yet) allowed to play a certain game.

The bpb offers a supplementary event format with the Parents’ LAN: parents’ evenings, which usually take place from 7.20 p.m. to 10 p.m., where adults can play games themselves to learn about the fascination and challenges of digital games. With pedagogical support, we discuss how media education can succeed – also in dialog with children.

Further information

In addition to the “Games in the family” service, it is also worth taking a look at the NRW games guide, a comprehensive information portal for the educational evaluation of digital games. It is also aimed at parents, professionals and young people and is compiled by media educators together with young players.

Are you looking for spielbar.de?

The former website www.spielbar.de was integrated into the website of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) at the beginning of 2025. Content that was previously available on Spielbar is now part of ” Games in the family“. The new service offers a better overview, an improved search function and new formats – such as video reviews. Anyone who wants to use games specifically in schools or political education will also find the new ” Games for political education“.

Popular games: Roblox

Building your own worlds from building blocks, slipping into imaginative roles and completing exciting missions – the online gaming platform Roblox is still very popular with young people. As it also includes chat functions and some people earn money with their games, Roblox combines gaming, social media and creative design on one platform – which is why it has been rated 16+ since January 2025.

In brief

  • Age rating: released from 16 years(USK), recommended from 16 years(Spieleratgeber NRW)
  • Users can create their own games, use the games of others and interact with each other
  • playable with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon devices and Xbox
  • mostly free of charge
  • Problematic content: Depictions of violence, in-app purchases

What is Roblox?

The two words Robots and Blocks together make up the name of the Roblox gaming platform. Here you can create and play virtual worlds in Lego style, which is particularly popular with young people. Roblox is a mixture of game world and social network and is reminiscent of Minecraft.

After registering on roblox.com, players receive a pre-made game character (avatar) that they can customize as they wish. Clothes or a different hairstyle are free of charge. Some extra accessories cost money in the form of their own currency Robux. Functions such as creating games as well as playing games themselves are freely available.

What fascinates children and young people about it?

Many young people love the game because they can easily develop their own games. Registered users can create their own games with the “Roblox Studio” building tool and share them with others. Simple structures can be designed, but also complex worlds of experience such as cities and amusement parks. In the Roblox community, young people can let off steam creatively and chat with each other.

Roblox is particularly popular with young game developers, as they can create and publish their own games there. If a game is played frequently by other users and money is invested, there is a chance that the developers – your child, for example – will also earn a share.

What is problematic about the offer?

In January 2025, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body(USK) raised the age rating for Roblox from 12 to 16. There were several key reasons for this decision:

  • Violence and problematic content: Some user-created games on the platform contain scenes that depict violence and are unsuitable for younger players.
  • Communication risks: The platform allows users to communicate via text and voice chats. There are therefore risks such as cyberbullying, cybergrooming and hate speech.
  • Increased purchase incentives: Roblox offers numerous in-game purchases, which can be a strong incentive to spend money, especially for young people.
  • Gambling mechanisms: Some games contain elements that resemble gambling, such as the purchase of random virtual items(loot boxes).

In addition, the USK criticized the lack of effective precautionary measures on the part of the platform operators, such as insufficiently secured children’s accounts and the lack of age ratings in accordance with German standards. Due to these aspects, the age rating was adjusted to ensure the protection of minors and provide parents with better guidance.

What the provider says

The provider Roblox Corporation emphasizes on its platform that it takes security and data protection very seriously. There is a reporting system for inappropriate chat messages and a chat filter. After registration, an account is automatically created in “data protection mode” for users under the age of 13. Younger players will then not have access to the social media functions, for example. Some games are also only released from a certain age. Moderators check whether uploaded image and video material meets the requirements for youth-friendly content. Inappropriate content is actively filtered and deleted. However, all of this assumes that the player’s age has been truthfully stated when registering.

Roblox offers various safety functions that allow you to keep a better eye on your child’s play. Parents can find out more about parental controls on the Roblox website.

Roblox is repeatedly accused of not sufficiently moderating both the content and the communication between users and of not taking consistent enough action against violations of the community guidelines. For example, young people may come across discriminatory and extremist content in the games.

This is what parents should pay attention to

In principle, the state does not use age labels to specify which media content parents may allow their children to play at home. Nevertheless, you should make sure that you only provide your child with games that are suitable and approved for their age. You should therefore pay attention to the 16+ label.

If your child is under the age of 16 and already has a Roblox account, you are not obliged to delete the account due to the age upgrade. However, it is advisable that you look into the changed age rating and the reasons for it and decide whether the platform is still suitable for your child. If you do not want to ban use completely, you can, for example, check the account restrictions together and adjust them if necessary. Talk to your child about the age rating and why it has been adjusted. If you decide that your child should delete an existing Roblox account, also talk to them about this and explain your reasons. If you are already using a parental control program, depending on the settings, programs with an age rating of 16 and above may be automatically blocked.

Register and create a profile together with your child and discover the Roblox game world together. Talk to him about his gaming experiences. Let them show you what your child plays and ask why they like certain games and who they socialize with.

Set the account so that your child is shown games that are as age-appropriate as possible. Use a parent PIN so that only you can change the settings. Also keep an eye on the in-app purchases made. Advise your child not to disclose any private data via the platform. Educate your child about communication risks online and encourage them to block and report suspicious or unpleasant contacts. Chat options can be limited or even disabled and age visibility can be turned off. You can also find all important steps for parental control at Roblox on medien-kindersicher.de.

Young people and their media role models

Whether in series and manga, in video games and social media or in the world of celebrities – young people encounter figures and characters everywhere that inspire them. Whether superheroes like Spider Man, game characters like Ahri, anime characters like Levi Ackerman or stars like Billie Eilish – teenagers regard a wide variety of media figures as their role models and look up to them.

What media role models mean for young people

Do you remember how enthusiastically your child told you about his favorite characters from movies and television a few years ago? From an early age, children are guided by their favorite media characters. Young people also look for role models not only in their immediate environment of family, friends or clubs, but increasingly in the media offerings they use.

Forming one’s own identity is one of the most important tasks in adolescence. Media content and characters take on important functions for young people. In this way, media role models can help people develop their own values. They can not only offer young people orientation and support, but even inspire them to try out and experiment with different identities and roles. It is character traits such as courage, honesty, loyalty, sincerity and perseverance that go down particularly well with young people. But they are also fascinated by characters who are particularly funny or original or who pursue big goals.

It is particularly important for teenagers to share information about their media idols, which creates a sense of community. Often, clothing, (youth) language or hobbies, but also media use itself, show which media role models they feel close to. Youth cultures, such as e-boys and e-girls, are popular among young people, and by belonging to such currents they also distinguish themselves from one another within their peer group.

What media role models are there?

In addition to a large number of fictional characters from films, series, games and books, real people from the media world also inspire young people. These can be celebrities from the film and music industry or social media stars. With this variety of media figures, it can happen that one loses the overview. Here are a few examples:

  • Celebrities from show and sports business such as Ariana Grande, Cristiano Ronaldo and Giulia Gwinn are important figures that young people look up to and emulate. YouTube stars such as Julien Bam, Gronkh and Shirin David are also very popular with young people. As influencers in particular, stars offer a high potential for identification and allow their followers to actively participate in their lives. This supposed closeness can lead to your child seeing them as their ‘best friend’ or ‘big sister’
  • On social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and the like, young people can find media role models who match their interests perfectly. Well-known fitness influencers include Sophia Thiel and Laura Sophie, while in the lifestyle sector, young people can meet Julienco and the twins Lisa and Lena, among others. When it comes to fashion, they follow Madeleine Darya Alizadeh (Dariadaria) and Helge Mark, among others, and if they are interested in make-up tips and skincare, beauty influencers such as Paula Wolf and Maxim Giacomo are interesting. LukasBS and Pandorya, on the other hand, are well-known Let’s Players and Jasmin Gnu is another increasingly diverse figure in the gaming scene. More and more influencers, so-called meaning influencers, are addressing socially relevant topics online on their channels. In Germany, Luisa Neubauer is particularly well known for her environmental content and Rezo for his political content. If you love DIYs, you might find Easy Alex or Linda Seel to be role models. Sometimes young people just want to pass the time. Some influencers offer the best entertainment on their channels – often without committing to a specific topic.
  • There are heroes, like those from the Marvel universe, who save the world together or alone. Various characters, such as Spider Man, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor and Hulk come together and form “The Avengers” (in German: die Rächer) together with many other characters to protect the universe.
  • The Harry Potter universe is still very popular today. Whether the novels or the films – the characters still enchant young people today. In addition to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, new characters such as Newt Scamander and Jacob Kowalski have been introduced in the Fantastic Beasts series of films, creating excitement on the big screen.
  • Anime are Japanese animated series that many young people are passionate about. Here, heroes from other worlds fight demons and monsters to protect people. Well-known characters include Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Nezuko from Demon Slayer or Satoru Gojo and Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen.

What should parents pay attention to?

Parents don’t have to like their children’s media idols. Nevertheless, talk to your child about their media heroes. Ask which of their character traits your child particularly likes.

Media also feature figures who are not well suited as role models. They may model problematic behaviors or teach questionable values. Sometimes they reproduce stereotypical gender images, prejudices or clichés that result in a false or incomplete worldview. Media role models play an important role in forming political opinions, but they do not always live up to their responsibility. Young people are particularly susceptible to populism, extremism and disinformation during the orientation phase. This is especially true when such content comes from their favorite influencers. The role model function of internet stars can also become questionable in connection with advertising. For example, when popular influencers promote products, this can sometimes be done indirectly or covertly.

Talk to your child about critical behaviors and clarify stereotypes. Remain neutral and unbiased when asking questions and engage with their world of media role models. Maybe it helps if you remember your own youth and your idols. How did you feel at that time?

“Fake news”, conspiracy myths and disinformation – what does that actually mean?

False reports, “fake news”, alternative facts or conspiracy myths – you hear these terms again and again when it comes to news and information on the internet. But they don’t necessarily mean the same thing. We explain the differences between the terms – and what you should look out for as a parent.

Disinformation

Disinformation is content that is demonstrably false or misleading – and is spread deliberately. It often appears credible at first glance because it is packaged in a story, contains individual true facts or is presented in a highly emotionalized way.

The aim of disinformation is to unsettle people, influence certain opinions or create a targeted mood – for example against individual groups or political decisions. It is often also about economic interests, for example through advertising revenue on dubious websites. Disinformation becomes particularly problematic when it undermines trust in science, the media or democratic processes. It can therefore pose a serious threat to democracy.

Especially in times of crisis, such as during the coronavirus pandemic or in connection with the war against Ukraine, disinformation plays a major role.

“Fake news”

Fake news” is a term that is often used in everyday life – usually as a synonym for disinformation. Literally translated, it means “fake news”.

However, the term is also deliberately used to denigrate critical reporting in serious media or to discredit political opponents.

It is therefore important to check carefully whether it really is a deliberately manipulated message – or whether the term is only being used to devalue another opinion.

Tip: When children or young people talk about “fake news”, ask what exactly they mean by this – and look at the source together.

A good introduction to the topic is the Inform” module from the Genial Digital material of the German Children’s Fund. Here, children learn in a playful way how to better assess and question information on the Internet.

Misinformation

False information is content that is not correct – but is passed on without intention. For example, because someone has misunderstood something or shared outdated information.

Mistakes can also occur in the media, for example in research or translation. In the past, this was sometimes called a “newspaper hoax”. It is important that such errors are corrected later.

Satire

Satire is an artistic form used to exaggerate social or political issues, for example in the heute-show, the Postillon or in memes.

Sometimes satire works with similar means as disinformation – such as exaggeration or simplification. However, it is not intended to deliberately deceive people.

The aim of satire is to criticize and make people think. Children and young people sometimes need help to classify satire correctly – talk about it together.

Propaganda

Propaganda means that information and messages are disseminated in a targeted manner in order to steer public opinion in a certain direction.

This can happen through language, images, music or even misinformation. Propaganda is often used in political conflicts – in the past on posters or on the radio, today also via social media and messenger services.

Conspiracy Myths

Conspiracy myths claim that secret groups or powers are behind major events. These stories offer simple explanations for complex relationships – without providing any scientific evidence or proof.

For example:

  • The attacks of September 11, 2001 were “staged”.
  • Vaccines would secretly contain dangerous substances.
  • “The media” are controlled and “do not tell the truth”.

Such myths divide the world into “good” and “evil” – and often make certain groups responsible for everything. It becomes dangerous when they stir up hatred and mistrust or undermine faith in science and democracy.

These stories are not scientific theories, but are based on unsubstantiated claims. This is why experts deliberately refer to them as conspiracy myths or conspiracy narratives – and not as “conspiracy theories”.

Using TikTok securely together

TikTok is part of everyday life for many children and young people. They watch short videos, are entertained, get information or post content themselves. Many parents don’t know exactly what they are watching or posting there – and are worried. This makes it all the more important to know the app’s security settings – and to stay in touch.

What TikTok offers for parents

With the “Accompanied Mode” (also known as “Family Pairing”), TikTok offers the option of controlling certain functions of the app on the child’s account together. These include:

  • Limit screen time: Set how long your child can use TikTok each day.
  • Filter content: Determine which videos are displayed in the “For you” feed to ensure that only age-appropriate content is visible.
  • Control messages: Decide who can communicate with your child via direct messages – or deactivate this function completely.
  • Restrict notifications: Set the times at which TikTok sends notifications to minimize distractions during important times such as school hours or bedtime.
  • Schedule breaks: Plan regular breaks or rest periods during which the use of the app is interrupted (e.g. during homework or at night).
  • Usage overview: The so-called screen time dashboard gives you an insight into your child’s activities, including the accounts they follow, as well as blocked and blocking users.

Additional protective functions take effect automatically, depending on the age specified in the profile:

  • Users under the age of 16 receive a reminder after 10 p.m. asking them to pause the app. If use is resumed, a second reminder will appear. In addition, a relaxation aid is offered that plays calming music.
  • For the under-18s, beauty filters are deactivated in order to reduce the pressure of unrealistic ideals.
  • For accounts of 13 to 15-year-olds, the profile is private by default – only confirmed contacts can see or comment on content.

To set up “Accompanied mode”

According to the terms of use, TikTok is permitted from the age of 13. Parental consent is required for children under the age of 16.

Tip: Children can also view TikTok in the browser without an account – so they can get started carefully without posting or commenting on content themselves.

Proceed as follows if you want to activate Accompanied mode:

  1. Install the TikTok app on your child’s smartphone and your own.
  2. Open the app on your device, go to the settings and select “Accompanied mode” or “Family pairing”.
  3. Scan the displayed QR code with your child’s device to connect both accounts.
  4. Make the desired settings together.

You can adjust these settings

  • Daily screen time: Select 40, 60, 90 or 120 minutes – individually for each day. A code must be entered after expiry.
  • Restricted mode: TikTok automatically filters content that is not age-appropriate. Terms or hashtags can also be blocked manually.
  • Direct messages: Only friends are allowed to send messages – or you can deactivate the function completely.
  • Rest periods: Reminders for breaks and a bedtime mode ensure app-free times (e.g. from 9 pm). An individual schedule can be created
  • Notifications: Push notifications can be limited in time to create less distraction (e.g. at night or during school hours).

What else parents should consider

Make sure that your child gives the correct date of birth when registering. Only then will age-appropriate protective measures take effect. Check the data protection settings together and explain why a private account makes sense. Older teenagers should also consider whether they want to show their content publicly.

As a parent, you cannot directly track which videos your child is watching or who they are writing to. Messages or comments are not visible to you – so your child’s privacy is protected as far as possible. This makes mutual trust and the question: Can your child already use media consciously and safely?

Make sure you regularly discuss together whether the settings you have made are still suitable or should be adjusted. Don’t make decisions over your child’s head, but together with them. This will encourage understanding and personal responsibility. Also explain which aspects of the app you view critically and which rules apply to its use in your family.

Keep the conversation going: Ask what ‘s hot on TikTok at the moment, what your child is interested in or which influencers they find exciting. This way you stay close – and your child feels taken seriously.

Remember: TikTok collects data about usage behavior. Talk to your child about how personalized content, advertising and in-app purchases work – and consider together which data protection settings make sense.

You can find more information about TikTok here.

Dealing with “fake news”, disinformation and false reports on the internet

Whether in social media feeds, messengers or podcasts – we are flooded with countless messages, reports and stories online every day. Sometimes it is not so easy to distinguish between truth and deception. Teaching children and young people how to recognize false information on the internet is a real challenge. This article offers practical advice on this and explains how you can talk to your child about it.

Fake news, disinformation and false reports – the difference

  • False reports are mistakes in news that happen unintentionally. Internet users can also inadvertently publish misinformation. They are often corrected later.
  • Disinformation means that false information is deliberately spread in order to manipulate and mislead people.
  • “Fake news” is a colloquial term for disinformation and refers to deliberately falsified news. It is also used politically to devalue unpopular opinions or traditional media and sow doubt.

Why is “fake news” dangerous?

Fake news spreads particularly quickly in uncertain times. We humans are already unsettled and even experts and politicians don’t have all the answers – such as during the coronavirus crisis or wars. “Fake news” deliberately spreads rumors or even hateful reports that are intended to stir up fears and deliberately deceive us. They often offer simple explanations and can give the feeling of security. But they are not true.

These fake news items are often so cleverly crafted that they appear to be legitimate news at first glance. People who believe “fake news” share it further, so that more and more people fall for it. The problem with this is that the more often such content is clicked on, the more often it is displayed – and the more people believe it to be true. This can be problematic, especially when it comes to political posts with an extremist or populist background or when conspiracy myths are spread.

Content that can unsettle or frighten younger children in particular is also problematic. Deep fake videos in particular look deceptively real. It is therefore important to understand that not all information on the Internet is true and to know the differences between disinformation, false reports and satire.

How you can check messages

Recognizing whether it is actually disinformation or false reports can be a tricky task. Therefore, it is helpful to follow clear steps to curb the spread of disinformation:

Source verification

Check where the message came from and who wrote it. Are the authors well-known and experts on the topic? Is it a reputable website?

Fact check

Try to verify the message with different sources. Ask yourself how up-to-date the information is and check where the figures and data mentioned come from as well as the context in which they were collected.

Checking the message form

Pay attention to the way the message is presented. Is the language serious and factual, or is emotional language and excessive capitalization used? Does the article contain catchwords such as “lying press” or similar provocative terms? Could the article be meant satirically?

Verify evidence

Make sure photos and videos match the message and are up-to-date. Pay attention to captions and whether they actually represent what is being described or are from another context.

Joint fact check

Discuss news and messages together as a family. Your child should understand that not everything on the internet can be sent via WhatsApp or comes from an AI chatbot has to be true. If you check messages together, it can gradually learn to distinguish true from false. Ask for your child’s opinion and share your own thoughts. This way, you and your child can be safer and better prepared to recognize and counteract false information on the Internet.

More tips

Here are some tips on where you can check messages and how you and your child can learn how to use them in a fun way:

Popular games: Minecraft Dungeons

Thrilling battles, epic dungeons and exciting stories full of secrets – that’s what players can expect in Minecraft Dungeons. The adventure role-playing game from the Minecraft-universe appeals particularly to older children and teenagers who love action and are looking for quick rewards.

In brief

  • Spin-off game of the popular sandbox game Minecraft
  • Action role-playing game in Hack&Slay style from Mojang Studios (Microsoft) in collaboration with Double Eleven
  • Age rating: released from 12 years (USK), recommended from 12 years (NRW game guide)
  • Minecraft Dungeons is available for the computer (from €19.99 standard edition) and for consoles such as Playstation, Xbox and Switch (from 19,99€ standard edition)
  • Can be played locally or online with a maximum of four players
  • In-game purchases and DLC (expansions) available

Minecraft Dungeons

Minecraft Dungeons is an action-adventure game in the popular Minecraft universe. It is characterized by the Hack&Slay style – a genre that thrives on fast, action-packed battles with many opponents. In contrast to the classic Minecraftwhich focuses primarily on creativity and sandbox elements, Minecraft Dungeons focuses on combat and adventure. In computer games, a dungeon is an underground or abandoned area that can be explored by players. These dungeons are often filled with obstacles, enemies and puzzles that must be overcome in order to gain rewards or progress in the game.

Minecraft Dungeons is a bird’s eye view game. Players embark on an epic journey to save the world from the evil Arch-Illager, who threatens the land with his dark power. A central gameplay element is the collection of equipment and weapons. Over the course of the game, players will find many different types of armor, swords, bows and magical artefacts that improve their abilities and help them defeat stronger enemies. Particularly interesting is the loot system, which provides constant rewards and significantly increases the replay value of the game. Minecraft Dungeons offers different levels of difficulty, allowing players to customize their own challenge.

What fascinates children/youth about it?

Minecraft Dungeons is particularly popular with children because it incorporates many elements from the classic Minecraft game while offering a new and exciting experience. In Minecraft Dungeons, players take on the role of adventurers who travel through different areas to fight hordes of enemies. There are numerous dungeons to explore. Randomly generated maps make the game varied and exciting. The game can be played alone or in co-op mode with up to four players. Minecraft Dungeons is easily accessible and not as complex as other action role-playing games. The controls are simple, so even younger children can immerse themselves in the game world without much frustration.

What can be problematic about the offer?

Minecraft Dungeons includes action-packed battles against various enemies, including well-known Minecraft characters (e.g. zombies, spiders, skeletons) and other fantasy creatures. The violence in the game is depicted graphically in a rather harmless way and does not show any brutal scenes. However, the frequent confrontations with enemies could be unpleasant or unsettling for sensitive children.

Minecraft Dungeons offers the opportunity to cooperate with other players online. Although the game does not offer a direct chat function, it can be played in groups. Players often use additional platforms or apps to communicate. Children and young people can thus interact with other online players, which can entail communication risks, even if the game itself does not offer voice or text chat functions.

The game offers various purchase options for additional content, including cosmetic items such as new skins or equipment. There are also paid seasonal expansions (DLC) and packs on offer.

What does the provider think?

On the minecraft website, the privacy policy and terms of use are available in German. Data is adequately protected in compliance with the GDPR. Minecraft Dungeons is linked to a Microsoft account that parents can use to set up parental controls.

What should parents pay attention to?

Minecraft Dungeons is an exciting game for older children and teenagers aged 12 and over, but it also presents challenges. Make sure you give your child access to age-appropriate gamesand agree on clear rules for using games in the family.

Technical precautions can help here. As a parent, you can set the following functions via the parental controls in your Microsoft account to make using Minecraft Dungeons even safer:

  • Limiting playtime: You can limit the amount of time your child spends playing.
  • Online gaming activities: You can restrict access to multiplayer and online functions so that your child can only play with friends or selected people.
  • In-game purchases: You can restrict access to microtransactions.

You can find more information about the Microsoft account settings at medien-kindersicher.de

Protection of minors online – The role of the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM)

Children and young people are growing up in a digital world in which they come into contact with online media on a daily basis. Clear rules and effective protective measures are essential to enable them to use the internet safely. The German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.) plays a central role here. We explain how the FSM shapes youth media protection and why it is so important for parents.

Who is the FSM?

The FSM is a self-regulatory body recognized by the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM) in the area of youth media protection. It is committed to protecting children and young people from online content that is harmful to minors and supports digital media providers in the implementation of youth protection measures. It works closely with many other institutions in the field – in Germany and internationally.

Tasks of the FSM

The FSM pursues the goal of ensuring effective youth media protection in digital offerings. Its main tasks:

  • Complaints office for problematic content: Users can use the FSM complaints office to report online content that is prohibited by law or harmful to minors. This includes, for example, violent, pornographic or extremist content. The FSM examines each complaint individually and takes action in the event of violations – either by cooperating with the providers concerned or by forwarding them to the authorities. The report can be submitted via an online complaint form on the FSM website.
  • Self-regulation and age classification: As a recognized self-regulator under the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (JMStV), the FSM supports companies in making their content suitable for young people. This includes, for example, the age rating of content, the development of technical youth protection solutions (e.g. youth protection programs such as JusProg) and advice on legal requirements. Digital platforms and media providers that join the FSM benefit from the opportunity to have their own protection measures tested and certified by the FSM.
  • Media education and information: The FSM is committed to media education in order to inform parents, teachers and children about risks on the internet. It provides practical materials, organizes events and cooperates with initiatives such as klicksafe and fragFINN. One example is our Elternguide.online project, which offers special guides and tools for parents.

The FSM in the system of youth media protection

The FSM is part of the system of regulated self-regulation in Germany. It works closely with other self-regulatory bodies such as the USK (Entertainment Software Self-Regulation), the FSK (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry) and the FSF (Voluntary Self-Regulation of Television). In this way, the self-regulatory bodies promote cooperation between companies, authorities and politicians for the effective protection of minors in the media.

Challenges in the digital protection of minors

The digital protection of minors is a dynamic field that constantly presents new challenges:

  • New technologies: The FSM has to deal with developments such as artificial intelligence (e.g. deep fakes) or new online platforms. New media phenomena require new approaches to the protection of minors.
  • Limits of self-regulation: The FSM reaches its limits when it comes to content on foreign servers. It works closely with international partners in the fight against online abuse.

Why is the FSM important for parents?

It is often difficult for parents to assess what content on the Internet is suitable for their children. The FSM offers support to ensure that youth media protection reaches families:

  • Parental control programs: These help parents to restrict access to unsuitable content.
  • Information services: Projects such as Elternguide.online offer practical and valuable tips on safe media use.
  • Complaint options: Parents can report problematic content directly.

More information is available directly on the FSM website: www.fsm.de

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