Chatting with friends, posting content, following stars – social media is very popular with many children and young people and an important part of their everyday lives. In this article, we present some popular platforms and apps and explain why they are so fascinating.
Dance challenges, LipSyncs and comedy – the Chinese platform TikTok offers an endless variety of entertaining short videos and is one of the most popular social media apps among children and young people. Users design their clips with trendy music, fun effects and creative filters. A special feature is the algorithm that displays personalized content in the “For you” feed according to the user’s preferences. Following viral trends and influencers, discovering new functions and video formats and connecting with each other via chat and hashtags fascinates children and young people. TikTok harbors risks such as data protection issues, inappropriate content such as war videos, pornography or drugs and entails communication risks. Endless scrolling can lead to extreme media use and promote digital stress. Parents can use the Accompanied mode control function for younger children.
Instagram is a popular social network where users share photos and videos. The app offers functions such as stories, reels and livestreams and focuses primarily on aesthetics. A variety of image and video editing tools such as filters give users the opportunity to express themselves creatively. The platform encourages interaction through likes, comments and direct messages. Children and young people use Instagram to network, follow role models and trends and present themselves online. Young users find it appealing to post selfies, test their impact and share beautiful moments with friends and family. The platform belongs to the large US internet company Meta. Challenges include the illusory world of perfect self-presentation and advertising by influencers. With parental control, Instagram can be set up safely and usage times can be controlled.
Threads is a text-based app from Instagramthat was specially developed for close friends. The functions of threads are the platform X platform. Users can share photos, videos and messages with selected contacts and view real-time updates about their location, activities or mood. This intimacy and the link to Instagram make threads attractive to young people. As on all social media platforms, there are risks in online communication and in being confronted with harmful content.
Snapchat is a social media app for sharing photos and videos. The so-called “snaps” disappear automatically after 24 hours. The relaxed, spontaneous communication and the fun filters and effects make the app popular with children and young people. Young people use the app to connect with their friends in particular. Snapchat rewards daily exchanges between friends with the Snapstreaks function and awards flame symbols. If the location function is activated, users can see where their contacts are currently located on the Snapmap. Snapchat users are automatically connected to the AI chatbotMy AI which answers questions and chats like a “real” friend. Snapchat is challenging in terms of privacy and data protection and can increase the pressure to be online all the time. The Snapchat Family Center offers parents setting options such as the activity overview and content controls.
BeReal is an ad-free social media app where users share spontaneous snapshots. Once a day, all users receive a simultaneous notification to take a photo with the front and rear camera within two minutes. Anyone who wants to can share their location. The spontaneity and authenticity make the app particularly popular with young people. Users can exchange ideas and network with each other via the comment function and in BeReal groups. The request to post a photo on time can cause digital stress for users and tempt them to disclose overly private information.
Knipsclub is a safe photo community that introduces children to social networks creatively and in a protected environment. Children can share, edit and comment on photos here under pedagogical supervision. In Knipsclub, users do not share any personal data and all content is moderated. This makes the platform a good alternative for parents who want to give their children a safe introduction to social media. Other protected options are platforms such as children’s issues of the DKHW or the children’s forum of Seitenstark. These children’s websites offer age-appropriate content, encourage creativity and offer moderated forums on specific topics.
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, BeReal and Threads may be used from the age of 13 with parental consent according to the terms and conditions. When choosing social media services, make sure they are age-appropriate for your child. If your child is still younger, offer them alternatives such as the Knipsclub to make it easier for them to enter the world of online networking. Actively help your child get started with their own smartphone or on one of the popular social media platforms. Make sure your smartphone and apps are childproof and talk about the risks of social media use at an early stage. Educate your child about topics such as data protection, communication risks and community rules. Stay in touch about favorite channels and influencers to better understand and support your child’s media behavior.
An hour on the Internet sometimes feels like a few minutes. Adults know this feeling as well as children. A new notification, a new post, quickly finish the level and take a quick look at TikTok – but then it’s really over! Many apps are designed to keep us glued to the screen with constant new stimuli. This makes it increasingly difficult to simply put the device down. Special apps for regulating media time or setting options aim to help people use media more consciously.
Screen time is a function on the iPhone, iPad and MacBook that shows you how much time you spend each day with which apps. You can block certain apps for a certain period of time or after a set time has elapsed. It is also possible to block certain content (e.g. age-restricted movies or games). With the help of family sharing – another Apple function – these settings can also be made on other devices.
To set up the screen time:
You can find step-by-step instructions on how to set up Screen Time on the Apple support pages.
On Android devices, Digital Wellbeing is integrated as a function in the settings as of Android 9. Here you can see at a glance how often the smartphone and the individual apps were used. Android offers three options for regulating media time at once:
Android also offers a step-by-step guide to setting up Digital Wellbeing .
Parental controls on Apple devices: Screen Time also offers the option of regulating your child’s smartphone use and, for example, preventing purchases in the App Store or content with certain age ratings. Detailed instructions on parental controls are available from Apple Support.
Parental control on Android devices: The parental control functions are not directly integrated into the operating system of Android devices. You can still keep an eye on your child’s media use with the free Google Family Link app. More detailed information can be found on the Google help pages.
As a general rule, you should keep in mind that your child may feel controlled by you by regulating his or her media use. Therefore, talk openly with your child about the setting options and consider together which ones make sense.
As your child becomes more independent over time, settings should be reconsidered regularly. Of course, the older your child is, the more he or she will know how to avoid certain settings. However, if you trust your child, there is usually no reason to do so.
Also think together about how you want to organize media time and media-free time in the family. Set a good example by demonstrating responsible use of digital media yourself.
Youth and media: Insights from the JIM Study 2023
The JIM study, conducted by the Media Education Research Association Southwest, provides revealing data on media use by German young people aged 12 to 19. This article summarizes key findings from the latest 2023 study and shows how parents can support young people.
Extensive internet use: Young people spend an average of 224 minutes online every day, with messenger services and social media being particularly popular. WhatsApp is used regularly by 94% of young people, followed by Instagram (62%), TikTok ( 59%) and Snapchat (49%).
Popular media content: Alongside social networks, Netflix and YouTube are the leading platforms for watching series, shows and films among young people. 63 percent of young people regularly use YouTube, while 50 percent use Netflix.
Media and leisure activities: The study also shows that young people organize their leisure time in a variety of ways. In addition to media use, 70 percent of young people regularly meet up with friends, 62 percent regularly play sport and 35 percent read books at least once a week.
Confrontation with problematic content: Unfortunately, young people are increasingly confronted with problematic content. A third of girls and a quarter of boys have been sexually harassed online. 23 percent of young people were unintentionally confronted with pornographic content.
In addition to this article, we also offer in-depth insights into media use of young children with the miniKIM study and the media habits of children with the the KIM Study 2022.
The results and further information on the JIM Study 2023 can be found in detail on the website of the Medienpädagogischer Forschungsverbund Südwest.Formularende
Everyone knows them, but most people don’t know exactly how they are determined: the age ratings for film content issued by the Voluntary Self-Regulation Body of the German Film Industry (FSK). How are they determined and on what basis? What role do age ratings play for children, young people and parents? The virtual parents’ evening explores these and other questions. The focus here is on the work of the FSK, which issues the statutory age ratings for films, series and trailers that are released in cinemas, by streaming providers or on DVD or Blu-ray in Germany on behalf of the supreme state youth authorities.
As part of the virtual parents’ evening, both the FSK’s testing procedures and the criteria that lead to the known age ratings of 0, 6, 12, 16 and 18 are presented. Following on from this, there are insights into the media literacy and participation projects with children and young people as well as the information and orientation services offered by the FSK.
Join us live and put your questions to our experts – we will provide answers and be available for discussions! The event will be held in German.
Date: 16.09.2024 | Time: 5 to 6 pm
Speakers: Michael Schmidt and Peter Kaun (FSK)
Moderation: FSM e.V.
Platform: The virtual parents’ evening is realized via the tool “Zoom”.
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Paw Patrol, Pokémon, Peppa Wutz – the TOGGO app offers children a comprehensive range of entertainment tailored specifically to their needs and interests. With a wide selection of series, interactive games, radio plays and music, the app is aimed specifically at young users of different ages. We present the offer.
The app aims to offer children and young people a safe and entertaining platform. It contains a wide range of content with series, games, radio plays and music tailored to different age groups. The Toggolino area is specially designed for children between the ages of 2 and 5 and enables them to navigate easily and without text. This protected area can only be exited with a text code, so children cannot do this by mistake. You need support from someone who can read. The TOGGO area is aimed at older children up to the age of 14 and offers a greater variety of exciting content, such as multiplayer games that can also be played with friends.
The app meets the needs of children at different stages of development: Younger children enjoy the simple and fun content in the Toggolino section, while older children can discover exciting adventures and cool, challenging games in the TOGGO section. Regular updates and new content ensure that there is always something new to discover. The opportunity to interact with the app keeps children busy and encourages their creativity. Content that is tailored to the age and interests of the users ensures a personalized experience that children particularly enjoy.
Super RTL emphasizes that the app is designed to be safe and suitable for children. Various measures are taken to protect the privacy and safety of the children. This includes strict compliance with the data protection guidelines, which can be viewed on the app’s website.
Actively accompany the use of the offer: Select the content together and accompany the use depending on the age of your child to ensure that the content is suitable. Talk openly with your child about the safe use of digital media, especially about the importance of data protection.
Sharing: Discover the content together with your child to share their experiences. Integrate your child’s opinion when selecting new content to encourage interest and participation.
Use the available settings: Customize the content according to your child’s age and level of development.
Open communication: Discuss with your child what to do if they come across inappropriate content or have difficulties using it. Clarify what needs to be considered when playing virtual games together if your child networks with friends in multiplayer games within the app.
Set usage limits: Encourage balanced leisure activities by jointly defining the duration of use.
Encourage alternative learning and play resources: Motivate your child to explore non-digital learning and play resources.
Explain advertising: Explain to your child what advertising is and how it works to create an awareness of commercial content.
Who Fortnite and the like, there’s no getting around this provider: the Epic Games Launcher from game developer Epic. We explain what the gaming platform offers and what parents should bear in mind when it comes to protecting minors.
The Epic Games Launcher distributes games from Epic and other manufacturers. While the majority of games are chargeable, there are also numerous free games in the launcher. Popular free games include Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys . It should be noted, however, that optional in-game purchases and microtransactions are offered within the games.
Via Epic Games, users can purchase games, play them and chat with other players. Players create an account, buy access to a game and thus acquire the right to play the games on the platform. The platform can best be compared with the popular gaming platform Steam platform. A special feature is that certain games that normally cost between EUR 20 and 60 are offered for free at weekly intervals in the Epic Games Launcher. However, users must select the game in the launcher during the respective offer week and add it to their Epic account.
Battle Royale games such as Fortnite and Fall Guys fascinate children and young people. Great heroine stories are told here and battles are fought that require strategy and team spirit. Through Epic Games, young people can try out different games, connect with their friends and constantly discover new games on the market. The weekly free games also give children and young people with a limited pocket money budget access to the latest titles.
Anyone who deletes or blocks their account will lose access to the entire game library and all game achievements. Anyone using an unprotected account can be confronted with communication risks such as hate speech or extreme opinions, spend a lot of money on in-game purchases or play games that are not appropriate for their age. The parental controls include settings such as a chat filter for offensive language, spending limits, age restrictions and much more. The playing time cannot be limited. However, parents can currently have a weekly Fortnite playtime report sent to them by email.
Epic Games offers game developers a paid platform to bring their games to market. A right of return within 14 days applies to every game. In the community rules, Epic Games sets out guidelines for dealing with each other. The provider prohibits misconduct such as bullying or harassment and threatens consequences such as blocking the user’s account. Users can use the report form to report misconduct by other users. Each account can be protected by two-factor authentication. Parents can customize the use of the Epic Games Launcher for their children via the parental controls. Using a parental PIN, they can set age ratings for access to games and Fortnite experiences, restrict purchases and customize online interaction options such as voice chat and linking with friends. Epic Games offers parents and guardians a dedicated contact form for support requests.
Use the technical settings for youth media protection and set up your child’s Epic Games account in an age-appropriate manner. If your child is between 13 and 15 years old, we recommend setting up a children’s account. If your child plays Fortnite and other games on a games console, activate the safety settings for children there too. As the playing time cannot be restricted via the gaming platform, use the settings options on the console or PC for screen time if required. When selecting games, pay attention to the USK age rating and only allow your child access to age-appropriate games. You can find an overview and detailed instructions on parental controls at medien-kindersicher.de. Be aware that technical youth media protection does not replace media education, but is a supporting element. Stay open and interested and talk to your child regularly about their favorite games. Talk to your child about their play and interaction experiences. Don’t overlook risks such as contact with strangers and agree on rules for dealing with games in the family.
Meeting new people, having fun, flirting for the first time – video chat services are popular with children and young people. Free offers such as OmeTV, Chatroulette or even Yubo make it possible to connect with complete strangers. Although the apps are often criticized for issues such as pornography, cybergrooming and questionable data protection, many young people like to use them.
Video chat platforms randomly connect users from all over the world. They can see and chat with each other via the camera function. When they have had enough of each other, they click or swipe on to the next person. Thousands of users communicate with each other simultaneously via these websites and apps. This means that the pool of potential contacts is inexhaustible. Most services require a link to data such as the Facebook – or Google account or registration with an e-mail address or telephone number. Yubo is permitted from the age of 13 according to the terms and conditions, OmeTV and Chatroulette only from the age of 18. However, since the age or the required declaration of consent from the parents are not checked, younger people also use the applications.
For young people, the platforms are an opportunity to gain new experiences and get to know people. They go online alone or with friends and chat with strangers. They often experience funny, weird and crazy things there. This can be exciting and fun – and offers room to try things out. On TikTok and YouTube videos of chats on OmeTV are very popular and are shared under their own hashtags. Users post videos of pranks such as alleged assaults online and influencers talk about their crazy experiences in video chats. This arouses young people’s curiosity and raises their hopes of meeting their idols in a random chat.
Platforms such as OmeTV and the like are known for the fact that the content they show is often anything but adult-friendly. Anonymity is high and the inhibition threshold is therefore low. Many people use video chats to vent their frustrations, share extreme opinions or satisfy sexual needs. So it often happens that especially men show themselves naked in front of the camera. Insults and discrimination are also commonplace. This can unsettle and unsettle young people in particular. The providers threaten to take strict measures such as lifelong exclusion from the service if the community guidelines are violated. However, the anonymity of the users makes it almost impossible to trace them. Dangers such as cybergrooming, sextortion, sexual harassment or digital violence cannot be ruled out. Inadequate data protection poses a further risk. This allows users to save chat histories, take a screenshot or record images and sound. This usually happens without the consent of the data subjects. Another application also makes it possible to find out the IP address of the user with a little skill. Thus, the anonymous contact may not remain anonymous.
If your child expresses a desire to use these platforms or is already doing so, do not react with a lack of understanding and strict prohibitions. A ban can make these platforms even more attractive and tempt your child to chat secretly with strangers on the Internet. Try to understand the fascination of such offers and talk openly about it. Educate your child about communication risks such as sexual harassment, bullying and cybergrooming. It is important that your child is aware that this is a public space to which everyone has access. The protection of data and privacy is therefore particularly important. Agree rules together on how to deal with such offers. Give your child the feeling that they can talk to you if they have any unpleasant experiences or questions. OmeTV and co. are not suitable for children, despite precautionary measures. Find out about age-appropriate media for your child. Try to talk to your child about alternatives so that he or she can still make new contacts. For younger children, offers on children’s websites can be an alternative, e.g. via kindersache.de, seitenstark.de or knipsclub.de.
Are you worried that your 14-year-old child is spending too much time on their smartphone and using apps that are not really suitable for their age? The Google Family Link app aims to contribute to media education in families. But to what extent is this also useful for teenagers?
In our article Google Family Link for children , we have summarized what the app can do, explained the possible uses for children and explained the risks of the app. Not all functions are useful for teenagers who are at least 16 years old. Because according to Google, from this age you can have your own account in Germany to use various Google-services, especially on Android devices. But even for young people under 16, not all control functions have to be active anymore. You should decide this according to your child’s level of independence in dealing with media.
If you have set up a child account for your child’s smartphone, this can be converted into a regular account from the age of 16, which your child will then manage completely on their own. You will be informed about it by mail. Your child can then decide whether to install and restrict apps themselves or continue to leave it up to you, the parent. Consider together to what extent this makes sense. Does your child feel mature enough to be able to assess which app is age-appropriate and how much time they spend on their smartphone?
The older your child gets, the more independent he or she becomes. For example, you can leave parental controls – i.e. controlling how much time they spend on certain apps – activated at the beginning, but leave the management of their own smartphone to your child. You should never do this in secret, as it can be an invasion of privacy if your child does not know about it. Also, your child can disable parental controls at any time with their own Google account.
For teenagers Google Family Link offers less restrictive control functions to accommodate their growing independence and maturity. Parents should therefore focus more on open communication and jointly defining rules of use. Certain functions are no longer age-appropriate, especially for teenagers, such as location tracking. Trust your child and talk openly if you are afraid that something might happen to them.
Joint setup: Install and configure Google Family Link together with your teenager. Discuss in detail which functions should be activated and why.
Regular checks: The balance between protection and monitoring is particularly important for teenagers. Check at regular intervals whether the settings and rules you have made still make sense. Agree on media usage rules that are regularly reviewed. This includes whether it still makes sense to use Google Family Link.
Data protection: Pay attention to what data Google is allowed to collect and store. Adjust the data protection settings accordingly.
Encourage personal responsibility: Use the app as a tool to strengthen your teenager’s personal responsibility. Discuss the reasons for certain restrictions and encourage responsible use of the smartphone.
Whether sports games on the console, platformers on the cell phone or online role-playing games on the PC – the range of digital games on offer is huge. Many parents ask themselves: “Which game is suitable for my child?”. It is important to pay attention to the legal age limit for games. This can often be recognized by a coloured USK label. However, age ratings are not educational recommendations, but provide information on whether the game is safe from the point of view of the protection of minors. In order to be able to assess whether a game is suitable for their own child, parents should also find out more about computer games. Offers such as the NRW Players’ Guide . Parents will find educational assessments of popular games and information on the opportunities and risks of digital games.
The information offered by the “Fachstelle für Jugendmedienkultur NRW” helps parents understand what their child is playing or would like to play on the computer, game console or smartphone.
Under the “Games” tab, numerous games can be displayed and found using the filter and search function via the categories genre, age recommendation and platform. The detailed descriptions help parents to understand the gaming experience of the individual games. All the games described are tested and evaluated by children and young people in game test groups. Media education experts provide assessments of the level of difficulty, content and risks. This results in an educational age recommendation for each game.
One of the focal points of the offer is the accessibility of games. Some games were tested for barriers in the “barrier check” in the categories of vision, hearing, comprehension and control. Some game reviews are available in plain language.
If you click on the “Guide” menu item, you can access a wide range of articles on topics such as age ratings, youth protection, opportunities and risks of games and youth culture. Contributions from the youth editorial team provide an insight into current topics and issues from the perspective of young gamers. The YouTube account of Spieleratgeber NRW offers Let’s Play videos and tutorials, for example on parental control settings for individual games.
The Fachstelle für Jugendmedienkultur NRW would like to support parents and guardians with its services in the area of contemporary media education. The NRW Game Guide sees itself as an educational supplement to the USK age ratings. The service aims to dispel the reservations and insecurities of many parents regarding computer and online games and to educate them about current issues relating to gaming and media. As a publicly funded project, Spieleratgeber NRW is not allowed to advertise individual games, which is why the descriptions are kept largely neutral.
The website Spieleratgeber NRW offers parents valuable educational information that is easy to find thanks to the clear website structure. The perspective of young people makes the world of digital games easy for parents to understand.
Please note: Even if the games are tested and evaluated by children and young people themselves, the experience of each child is individual – regardless of age. While some can process certain content well, other children may still be overwhelmed. For parents of younger children, it is recommended to play and try out the games together for the first time. It is even better if you try a game before you play it together with your child.
As an alternative or supplement to the NRW Game Guide, the spielbar.de website also offers neutral educational reviews of numerous games and articles on the topics of gaming and media.
Is gaming only for boys? Far from it! According to the JIM Study 2023, over half of the girls aged 12 to 19 surveyed said they gambled several times a week. The following games are particularly popular Minecraft , The Sims , Hay Day and Mario Kart. The gaming scene is dominated by men, and many successful gaming stars such as Gronkh and Elias N97 are male. However, there are more and more female and queer Let’s Players and they are important role models for young gamers.
Let’s Players play video games and share their strategies and tips with their followers. They comment on and rate the game in an entertaining way. They upload the Let’s Play videos to platforms such as YouTube and communicate with their fans via the comments. Some gaming stars stream their gaming sessions on Twitch live and interact directly with their audience. Major gaming influencers use various business models to earn lots of clicks and money.
Jasmin Gnu known as Gnu, is one of the most prominent female Let’s Players in Germany. She became famous a few years ago mainly through her humorous and entertaining videos on YouTube and streams on Twitch. Gnu plays games like The Sims , GTA and Fortnite and her fans love her for her authentic and likeable nature. In addition to her Let’s Plays, she also produces content on various topics such as sexism in the gaming industry and dealing with her eating disorder.
Honeyball whose real name is Isabel Barbara Zimmermann, has been active in the gaming community for more than ten years. Her fans appreciate her self-deprecating comments and her positive attitude. She became known for her Let’s Plays of sandbox and role-playing games such as Minecraft and The Sims. Honeyball is also active as a creative and creates texture packs for Minecraft as a game designer, which are appreciated and further developed by the community.
Antonia Staab alias Reved began her career in 2019 and is known for her diverse content on Twitch and YouTube. It streams a wide range of games from well-known titles to indie games. It shows a mixture of gaming, chatting and creative formats such as quiz shows. In 2023, she launched the Stream Awards, which honor outstanding moments and personalities from the Twitch community. Reved is bisexual.
Even more streamers can be seen in the child-friendly video series “Ansage!” on the children’s TV channel KiKA. There, young gamers challenge well-known streamers such as Sissor, Mowky, Freiraumreh, Kiara and Shorty in gaming challenges.
Many game-loving children and young people not only play games themselves, but also enjoy watching others play them. They can learn more about a game, get tricks for difficult tasks and be entertained by their favorite stars.
It is important that they not only experience the male perspective, but that there are also female and queer Let’s Players. They show different perspectives on gaming and are role models for female and queer young people who want to recognize themselves in the gaming community. They prove that anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can be successful in gaming.
Female and queer gamers often have a hard time in the male-dominated scene and can become victims of online hate. The presence of female and queer Let’s Players can make a decisive contribution to making the gaming community more diverse, open and representative. They contribute to greater visibility and can support positive social change towards greater acceptance.
No matter who your child’s favorite Let’s Players and streamers are, it’s best to watch Let’s Plays together with your child. This will help you better understand what your child enjoys about Let’s Players and learn more about your child’s gaming hobby.
The gaming world is still heavily male-dominated. Broaden your child’s perspective and draw their attention to a gaming star with a female or queer identity.
Make sure that your child does not watch any Let’s Play videos of games that are not approved for children of a certain age. Keep in touch with your child about the business models of Let’s Players. Help him analyze advertising, product placements and other forms of money-making. Discuss the language of gamers with your child. Make your child aware of communication risks online and explain to them how they can deal with unpleasant situations.
Computer games are a topic in many families and often a cause for conflict. On Elternguide.online there are lots of articles where you can get suggestions for dealing with games in the family. A small selection:
Children and young people love to play games – including computer and online games. Media educator Fabian Wörz explains in a video what needs to be considered.
Immerse yourself in game worlds, compete with others, switch off and cultivate friendships. In this article, we explain what attracts children and young people to video games.
Here you will find a collection of tips for dealing with computer games in your family. The article is available to read and as an audio file. Helpful setting options for devices and platforms to limit the playing time and protect against costs can be found in this text.
Which game is suitable for my child? In this article you will find information on the protection of minors in video games and what else you should look out for when choosing games. Who actually checks what age a game is suitable for? We explain interesting facts about the age rating of digital games in Germany in the article on the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK).
Computer games are a very communicative activity because gamers often meet online to play. You can read about the opportunities and risks involved in this in this article. In addition to general communication risks such as online bullying, hate among gamers and extremist speech on gaming forums can also become an issue.
If the game is not played on a smartphone or computer, a games console is used. This is at the top of many wish lists – read our article to find out what you should bear in mind. Gambling – but safely! Security settings for Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Playstation can be found in this article. Various game mechanics can increase the pressure to keep playing and make it difficult to find an end to the game.
More and more people are becoming aware that computer games have many positive effects. You can read more about this in our article.
This is only a small selection of contributions to the topic. On our page you will find an introduction to the five most popular genres of online games and descriptions of the most popular computer and mobile games among children and young people, such as Roblox, Minecraft, Brawl Stars and Fortnite. We offer explanations of gaming platforms such as Twitch and Steam and cloud gaming services such as Amazon Luna, shedding light on various distribution channels for games in general and the games-as-a-service business model in particular. You can also find articles on our website about dangers such as violence in games or computer game addiction and much more.
“How far is it to the moon?”, “Did dinosaurs have milk teeth?”, “Why do we celebrate Halloween?” – Children and young people are naturally curious and have lots of questions. They also surf the Internet in search of answers. But watch out: Google and other search engines were not developed primarily for children. Without filtering, children can quickly end up on pages with inappropriate content. That’s why there are children’s search engines.
Children’s search engines are easy to use and use child-friendly language and images. They only link to content that is safe and interesting for children. All websites are checked and approved in advance by media educators. This enables safe surfing on the net.
In addition to the search function, many children’s search engines also offer educational videos, games and articles on various topics. They often offer tips on how children can best use search engines. For example, there are tips on specific search terms, searching for images or checking sources. In this way, children acquire important skills and develop their media literacy. Older children can be introduced to adult search engines after this practice period.
Children’s search engines are designed so that children can use them independently and have the most positive surfing experience possible during their first steps on the Internet. Accompany your child during the first use and explore the search engine together. This way you can explain important functions for the search in more detail. After the first joint testing, children can use the respective children’s search engine independently without hesitation. For this purpose, it is recommended to set up a child search engine for the default search in the browser. In addition, a child search engine can be set up as the start page.
If your child already knows how to use search engines and wants to use search engines such as Google , activate the “SafeSearch” filter for more security. Please note that despite filters, the search is never as secure as the review of content by media educators and that filters can be activated and deactivated independently under certain circumstances. Agree with your child on how to respond when he or she encounters inappropriate content. You can report inappropriate content that is displayed despite filter settings to the respective search engines.
In order to provide you as parents with the best possible support for your child’s media education, we offer you the opportunity to ask your personal questions about your child’s media use directly and conveniently via WhatsApp or Threema to ask us.
Our professional team is at your side to offer you the right support. Whether you are unsure whether a certain app is suitable for your child, you are looking for tips on limiting screen time or you would like support in dealing with a new trend – we are here for you.
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Fortnite has been one of the most popular online games among children and teenagers since its release in 2017. Many game modes are approved for ages 12 and up, but are often used by much younger players.
When talking about Fortnite, it is important to note that it is not just a game. Rather, Fortnite has developed into a platform for online games with different game modes, which often share the same visuals and setting. In the only paid mode, “Save The World”, you have to build a fortress with other players to protect the last human survivors from zombies.
The free version “Fortnite Battle Royale” is far better known and more popular, in which the aim is to kill all other players, either alone or in a team, in order to survive. There is also a creative mode, which is presented in our article Creative with Fortnite and Minecraft and in which violence and time pressure can be completely dispensed with.
The three new modes “Fortnite Festival”, “Fortnite Racing” and “Lego Fortnite” have also been added. While “Fortnite Festival” is more like a rhythm game, “Fortnite Racing”, as the name suggests, is all about fast races. In “Lego Fortnite”, players have to fight monsters and construct buildings together, with the figures and content being kept in the look of classic Lego toys.
Fortnite is available on all popular consoles such as the Playstation 4/5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One/Series. The app can also be downloaded on the PC and for Mac. The app can also be installed on Android and Apple devices via a few detours, but not via the classic Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The game can also be streamed to many devices via the increasingly popular cloud gaming providers such as Amazon Luna.
In March 2022, “Fortnite Battle Royale” added the so-called “No Build” mode. In this variant, players cannot build protective structures such as walls and have to think of new ways to gain an advantage over other players, such as a height advantage. Fortnite is currently working a lot with other companies and franchises to integrate their content into the game. Pop artist Billie Eilish has immortalized herself as a playable character in the game. Heroes from Star Wars, Avatar – The Lord of the Elements, My Hero Academia and many more also bring a breath of fresh air to the game.
Creative mode in particular has changed a lot in recent years. Players can now create their own “islands” and integrate their own game objectives. Although many of these islands copy the familiar “Battle Royale” mode, other islands are completely non-violent. There may therefore even be different age ratings and recommendations within Fortnite.
Rarely has a game generated so much hype. Certainly also because parts of Fortnite are free and can be played on various platforms. Moreover, it is easy to get into the game without any previous knowledge.
The gameplay is very exciting and provides plenty of adrenaline. Thus, game players must constantly be on guard, quickly hide from attackers and develop good strategies to survive. The round principle provides the incentive to do better in the next round than in the previous one. Funny details like the worldwide known joy and victory dances of the game characters add to the fun of the game.
Fortnite ‘s “Battle Royale” mode has been heavily criticized due to the USK age rating of 12 and up. Gun violence is the only option here, but a necessary one to win the game. Fortnite does not contain any detailed depictions of violence, no blood flows, there are no corpses to be seen and the cartoon look also plays down the violent gameplay. Still, the goal is to kill each other. Children in particular could lose awareness of this very quickly. At the same time, 12-year-olds can already see through this match-fixing because of their media experience.
Fortnite “Battle Royale” is nevertheless very nerve-wracking, as players have to constantly scan their surroundings for threats. This pressure can cause children and young people to feel stressed and overwhelmed. During the game rounds, many game pieces are quickly eliminated. This can cause frustration in a short time when it hits your own avatar.
If you want to play Fortnite, you need an account with EPIC Games. To do this, it is necessary to provide an email address or that of an existing account, such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Nintendo, Playstation or Xbox.
The game allows the purchase of virtual currency, so-called V-Bucks. This can be used to buy virtual items like outfits, victory dances, or even access to weekly challenges with real money. These items and functions are not necessary for the game, but they are exciting, especially for children and teenagers. In recent years, the cooperation with well-known franchises such as Marvel or Star Wars has been expanded enormously, which should boost the voluntary in-app purchases. Some of these offers are often only available for purchase for a limited time, which can lead to the fear of missing out(FOMO).
Please note that the various game modes have been given their respective age ratings for different reasons. It is not only the violence depicted that can be decisive, but also increased incentives to buy. Fortnite should be seen as a game as a service, for which we have written a separate article.
In particular, the “islands” created by users have their own age labels, which were assigned according to the so-called IARC system and can therefore also be aimed at younger children.
If your child wants to play Fortnite, take a look at the game yourself beforehand and talk to your child about why they find Fortnite interesting. Play together and let your child explain what it is all about and agree on common rules. Keep an eye on your child’s screen time and make technical settings to make it easier to balance gaming and other leisure activities.
Also try to make your child aware that Fortnite is about violence and that this should not be underestimated. But that doesn’t mean that computer games necessarily make people violent.
Be there as a contact person if your child encounters inappropriate content or unpleasant fellow players. Players who behave inappropriately can be reported via the game menu. Use the Fortnite parental controls and set them up together with your child. For example, a PIN can be used to restrict payments and interaction and communication options. You can also restrict the content your child can see in Fortnite. For example, they can completely block game modes that are not age-appropriate for their child. You can find clear instructions for parents on how to do this at medien-kindersicher.de.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has long since found its way into our everyday lives. Where flying cars and robots were once seen as symbols of AI, the reality today is more diverse, but no less fascinating. We take a look at where we already encounter artificial intelligence in everyday life and what significance this has for media education.
Artificial intelligence, or AI for short, is a very broad term that describes machines or computer systems that can imitate human intelligence. To do this, they are fed information until they can apply it independently to solve tasks. This also means that they can learn from mistakes and thus constantly improve. For example, if a computer is fed a very large number of photos of human faces, at some point it will be able to tell for sure whether or not a photo has a human face in it. In this case, it is a so-called “weak AI” because it is intelligent only in relation to a specific subject. Research is also being conducted on a “strong AI” that could have the intellectual capabilities of a human, e.g., think logically or plan ahead. However, the strong AI does not yet exist. And if it should exist one day – it will probably not have feelings and thus will be fundamentally different from us humans.
The areas of application for AI in family life are diverse. Facial recognition technologies unlock smartphones, voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri fulfill our commands and streaming services such as Netflix suggest films that match our preferences. Algorithms also play a role in this. Toys(smart toys) can also actively interact with children with the help of AI. For example, an intelligent cuddly toy can search for a child’s questions on the Internet and read out the answers. Chatbots such as ChatGPT can provide support with school tasks.
Artificial intelligence can make our lives easier in many situations. But there are also risks associated with the use of AI. For example, so-called deep fakes can be used to create deceptively real images or videos that support the spread of fake news. If AI is used at home, for example via a voice assistant or smart toys, it is also important to look at the manufacturer’s data protection measures and use existing security settings. If the data is not stored on the device itself, but in a cloud, there is a risk that third parties can access and misuse the data. There are also many legal questions for which there is no conclusive solution at the present time: For example, who should be liable in the future if a decision made by an AI causes damage? This is one reason why the use of self-driving cars, for example, is not yet readily possible.
In order to promote a better understanding of AI, it is important that children and young people are familiarized with the concept at an early age. It is important that they understand what AI is and how it works. Younger children often find it difficult at first to distinguish between an object activated by AI and a real living being. Age-appropriate explanatory videos and articles are suitable for teaching children and young people about artificial intelligence. There are also games in which you can train an AI yourself and thus learn to understand how it works in a playful way.
We have put together a few offers for you:
Open communication: Talk openly with your child about AI and explain how it is used in their everyday life. Encourage them to ask questions and take time to discuss any concerns.
Critical media literacy: Help your child develop a critical attitude towards the information they find online. Show them how to recognize false information and encourage them to check sources.
Data protection: Discuss the importance of data protection with your child and encourage them to handle personal data responsibly. Explain what information can and cannot be shared safely.
Self-determination: Encourage your child to decide for themselves which technologies they want to use. Help them to set their own boundaries and feel comfortable saying no when they feel uncomfortable.
Joint activities: Take the opportunity to play games or do activities together with your child that provide a better understanding of AI. Discuss how AI-based technologies work and let your child gain their own experience.
