“Just ask a chatbot!” – This could soon be the motto when it comes to searching for information or answering questions. ChatGPT, an AI-based chatbot, is becoming increasingly popular and is also being used more and more by children and young people. We provide an insight into the tool.
ChatGPT is a computer program that was developed using artificial intelligence (AI) to answer questions and create texts. It is based on huge amounts of data from various sources, such as books, news and conversations. Users can chat directly with the program – and in amazingly natural language. It can also be integrated into apps such as WhatsApp, making it even easier and more flexible to use.
The paid version of ChatGPT can also retrieve up-to-date information from the Internet. This function is particularly useful for answering questions about current events or trends. In the basic version, however, ChatGPT only has knowledge up to 2021, which can lead to outdated information.
A sample conversation
Question: Hey ChatGPT, I’m planning a birthday for my son. Can you help me?
ChatGPT: Sure! How old will your son be and what does he particularly like? Then we can collect ideas for games, decorations or food.
Question: He is nine and loves dinosaurs. Do you have any suggestions?
ChatGPT: How about a dinosaur treasure hunt in the garden? You can hide little dinosaur figures and draw a map. Dino-shaped cookies or muffins would also be a nice idea. Would you like me to find you a recipe?
Linus: Good idea! Can you give me any tips for invitations?
ChatGPT: Sure! You could make invitations in the shape of dinosaur tracks. On each track you write the details of the party and the kids can see it as a little adventure. Would you like me to make you a template?
ChatGPT is easily accessible, fast and versatile. It can write creative texts, answer complex questions and communicate in different languages. For many, it feels like they are writing to a real person. The ability to write creative texts, answer complex questions and communicate in different languages inspires many. ChatGPT can also promote creativity and language comprehension.
Children and young people use ChatGPT for example for:
According to OpenAI, children and young people should be protected as follows:
The provider also points out that users should be careful not to share personal data. It also points out that functions such as integration into apps should be used with caution.
Explain to your child that not everything the chat program says is true or correct. ChatGPT has been trained with texts, and therefore only knows what it has seen. It can make mistakes. Encourage your child to think critically by encouraging them to question ChatGPT’s answers. Make sure your child verifies the information they receive with other sources. It’s best to try this out together and explain to him how to deal with disinformation.
The chatbot can assist with school-related tasks. For example, he can describe something in simple words. ChatGPT should not do homework for your child. Explain to your child that ChatGPT is a tool and not a perfect source. ChatGPT cannot think.
Stay in conversation with your child and educate them about dangerous content online. The chatbot has also been trained with texts that may be inappropriate for your child. Work out boundaries and rules for use together.
Explain to your child that they have a right to security and data protection. You and your child should not submit any personal information. Encourage your child to let you know if there is a problem. Make sure your child understands how to protect his or her privacy.
Video or game night? But which movies, series or computer games are suitable for the whole family? What does the age rating on the cover actually mean? Age ratings protect against questionable content, but are not age recommendations. This article explains the differences and shows how parents can make good decisions for their children.
In Germany, there is a system for assessing whether media could be problematic or harmful for a young audience: Age rating or age labeling. It is carried out by various institutions:
All of these checks look at whether media content contains violence, sexuality, drug use or discrimination or is particularly frightening. The more such content, the higher the age rating. After the check, the content is given the colorful stickers with the age information on them that are widely known. If a film or game is not approved for a certain age, this means, for example, that it is blocked by youth protection filters or may only be shown on television from a certain time. In cinemas, the age of visitors is checked.
Media content is checked to see whether it could impair the development of children and young people. The aim of age ratings is to protect young adolescents from traumatizing or frightening content. There is no pedagogical assessment behind it: The content is not checked to see whether it is interesting or recommendable for young users!
A recommendation, on the other hand, is nothing more than a ‘good tip’. We get recommendations from friends and neighbors, from the radio – or from educators who check media offerings to see whether they are appealing to children, easy to understand and valuable in terms of content.
As anyone can make a recommendation, it is important to question whether it is well-founded and credible. In the case of private recommendations, it helps to assess the person. In the case of articles or websites, you should know and question the authors. Good sources include:
The age rating protects against questionable content, but it is not a recommendation. Recommendations, on the other hand, can be made by anyone with an interest in media – but the criteria for this are often unclear. A combination of different sources of information is therefore important.
If parents adhere to age ratings, they can avoid frightening or scary content. In addition, recommendations from reputable sources increase the hit rate for a good media offer enormously.
Ideally, parents should also see for themselves: watch the movie beforehand, find out about the game on YouTube or even try it out for yourself. After all, you know your child best and know what they like, what is too much for them or what they are afraid of.
And above all: keep the conversation going! Talk to your child about their media experiences. Listen and show interest in the movies or games they love – but also in the ones they don’t like.
And if you’ve chosen the wrong movie – no problem! There’s always the spontaneous popcorn evening on the sofa.
The JIM Study (Youth, Information, Media) 2024 provides exciting insights into the media use of young people (aged 12 to 19) in Germany. It is conducted every year by the Media Education Research Association Southwest. Here we summarize the most important results for parents and give tips on how they can support their children.
In 2024, young people will spend an average of 201 minutes online per day – this is less than in 2023 (224 minutes) and the lowest figure since 2016. Many young people now enjoy consciously spending time without their smartphone: 60% say that they regularly take such breaks. Nevertheless, the smartphone remains the most important device: 96% of young people use it every day. They write messages, watch videos, use social media or do research for school.
Social media also plays a role in the search for information: 37% of young people find out about current topics on platforms such as Instagram or TikTok. However, 63% specifically avoid news because they are bothered by negative reports.
AI tools such as ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular: 62% of young people have already used them, especially for school (65%). Functions in apps such as Google Assistant or Snapchat AI are also popular. Young people use these not only for learning, but also for creative projects or hobbies.
Despite digital media, face-to-face meetings and sport remain important: 65% of young people regularly meet friends or play sport. Younger teenagers spend more time with their families, while older teenagers often organize their free time themselves – for example with hobbies or volunteering. Leisure activities are increasingly accompanied by digital media, e.g. gaming and online tutorials.
Problems such as fake news, cyberbullying and contact with problematic content are omnipresent. 61% of young people report encounters with fake news, while extremist and offensive content is perceived as particularly distressing. These challenges underline the need to promote media literacy. Schools and parents can play a key role by teaching the critical use of information and the importance of digital security
In addition to this article, we also offer in-depth insights into the media use of young children with the miniKIM study and the media habits of children with the KIM Study 2022. The results and further information on the JIM Study 2024 can be found in detail on the website of the Medienpädagogischer Forschungsverbund Südwest.
Many young people are affected by cyberbullying. What is behind this phenomenon and how do young people actually experience bullying in the digital world? What warning signs are there, what influence do AI and new technical developments have and when should you call the police?
In this virtual parents’ evening, we will take a look at cyberbullying from a legal and media education perspective. The aim is to show you as parents the options for education and support as well as support in dealing with acute problems. In addition to tips for media education, you will learn about contact points for advice and help.
Be there live and ask your questions to our experts – we will give answers and be available for exchange! The event will be held in German.
The virtual parents’ evening is an event as part of Safer Internet Day 2025 – you can find out more about the campaign day at klicksafe.
Date: 13.02.2025 | Time: 5 to 6 pm
Speakers: Ulrike Bastians and Lidia de Reese (FSM)
Platform: The virtual parents’ evening is realized via the tool “Zoom”.
Privacy Notice: Zoom is a service of Zoom Video Communications Inc. which is based in the USA. We use Zoom via the German operator easymeet24. easymeet24 ‘s server is located in Europe. Furthermore, we have selected the configurations with the highest data and security protection within the Zoom service.
Please also take note of our privacy policy.
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“Games for eternity” – that is the motto of GOG.com. The multilingual games platform offers a huge selection of old and newer games. GOG. com is particularly popular with players who want to download and own games themselves.
GOG.com (formerly “Good Old Games”) is the digital distribution platform of the Polish developer studio CD Projekt. The game developer’s best-known titles include Cyberpunk2077 and The Witcher. The platform has been distributing games from its own studio since 2008 and offers a collection of hand-picked games. The platform is dedicated to preserving old computer games that are no longer compatible with modern systems due to a lack of responsible rights holders. Users can find large game titles as well as smaller games and retro classics here. Unlike other stores, the games on GOG.com are not tied to an account or copy-protected. Users can download the games they purchase and save them on their own device. Purchasing the games directly supports the developers.
GOG Galaxy not only allows users to buy and play games, but also to connect with friends online. The platform is reminiscent of comparable distribution platforms such as Steam and Epic Gamesa digital games library and a chat platform for players. Players create an account and collect the games they buy in their own digital library. The platform offers reliable customer support, secure purchases and a lively community.
GOG.com offers gamers not only brand new games, but also retro classics. This makes it possible for younger gamers to play the first versions of certain games. Games that are otherwise very difficult or impossible to buy are also available here. The platform offers DRM-free games. DRM stands for “Digital Rights Management” and protects games from being passed on and reproduced to third parties. DRM-free games can be downloaded without copy protection and installed and played on different computers at the same time.
A GOG account can be easily created with an e-mail address. GOG.com‘s terms of use stipulate that a minimum age of 16 years applies to the creation of an account and that under-18s require the consent of a parent or guardian. However, the age is not checked in detail: when registering, only a check mark has to be activated.
Although GOG Galaxy offers an impressive collection of games, its selection is limited compared to larger platforms such as Steam. This is partly due to the fact that not all developers and publishers are willing to offer their games without DRM.
GOG.com and GOG Galaxy offer game developers a free platform to bring their games to market. Each game has a 30-day return policy if the game does not work. GOG.com states that it does not store any data from user devices and does not share any personal data with third parties. Users can also delete all imported data from the GOG servers with a single click.
In the GOG Code of Conduct, GOG sets out guidelines for dealing with one another. The provider prohibits misconduct such as bullying or harassment and threatens consequences such as blocking the user’s account. Users can report misconduct by other users by contacting GOG staff or GOG community moderators.
Age checks are not carried out at GOG.com and GOG Galaxy, so children under the age of 16 can easily create an account on GOG.com. Discuss the rules for creating your own (gaming) accounts with your child and make your child aware of data protection and the protection of privacy online.
When selecting games, pay attention to the USK age ratings and only give your child access to age-appropriate games. GOG.com provides information on the age ratings of individual games. Nevertheless, games are also sold that do not (yet) have an age rating from the USK.
As the playing time cannot be restricted via the gaming platform, use the setting options on the PC for screen time if necessary. Technical youth media protection is not a substitute for media education, but can only support it. Stay interested and talk to your child about their favorite games and their gaming and interaction experiences. Explain the risks, such as how to deal with contact with strangers. Agree on rules for dealing with games in the family that all family members adhere to.
Digital media enrich our everyday lives in many different ways: Music programs at the breakfast table, navigation apps on the go or chats for organizing leisure activities. (Screen) devices help us to learn, to work and are often fun. No wonder they have become an integral part of our everyday lives, whether at home or in public spaces.
However, with the growing importance of media, the ability to use them responsibly and competently is also becoming increasingly important. Today, media literacy is just as essential as reading, writing or arithmetic in order to be able to navigate the modern world safely and successfully. Anyone who does not know how to use media in a targeted and considered way can quickly run into difficulties. But what exactly does media literacy mean?
Being media literate means more than just being able to operate a device. Although this is part of it, at its core it is about the conscious and responsible use of content. This includes the following aspects:
Those who are media literate know why and how they use media, can recognize negative effects and counteract them, while positive aspects are specifically promoted.
The call for “more media literacy” is often directed at children and young people. This is understandable, as they will shape the world of tomorrow. We may not know this world yet, but it will be heavily influenced by media, especially the internet.
You can imagine the internet as a city: There are playgrounds and nice stores, but also traffic and strangers. Parents don’t just send their young children off on their own, they accompany them, explain the rules and show them what to look out for. This is exactly how it should be on the Internet. Accompany your child as they explore the digital world.
Developing media literacy is a joint task from the very beginning – in the family, at nursery and at school. The younger the child, the more responsibility parents have and the more they act as role models. As they get older, children and young people can and should be allowed to have their own experiences – including with their own devices. Common rules and an open discussion are helpful here.
Media literacy is not a “children’s game”, it is just as important for adults! Parents who want to help their children use media responsibly need to be media literate themselves. Only those who understand digital technologies and platforms can provide guidance and act as role models. You should therefore actively engage with digital topics – through joint projects with your children, exchanges with other parents or further training courses in schools and education centers. Teachers are also called upon to strengthen their own media skills in order to pass on this knowledge. Helpful information can be found, for example, in ARD programs such as “Gemeinsam Medienkompetenz stärken“.
In addition, working people and older people also benefit from better media skills. Professional development and digital work processes often require new skills. For senior citizens, media offer numerous opportunities, such as contact with grandchildren via video chats. If you want to test your own media skills, you can find out with a self-test.
Minecraft is a kind of Lego for computers, games consoles or mobile devices in which players create their own world from virtual blocks with a great deal of creativity and skill.
The world in Minecraft consists of cubes and blocks that are always the same size. It is created anew each time according to the principle of the sandbox game and therefore always looks different. The cubes can be made of different materials such as wood or earth. The cubes are used differently depending on the game mode: In creative mode, players combine the cubes and build houses, models or even functioning computers. The materials used do not have to be collected, they are directly available to the players and can be used an infinite number of times. This allows them to create their very own world, which they can design creatively and change constantly. This function is now even used by schools for learning purposes, as Minecraft promotes children’s spatial thinking and creativity. The creative mode is also used in computer science lessons, for example as an introduction to programming. In survival mode, players have to use the materials and tools to fight monsters and hide in the self-built hut at night. The big difference to creative mode is that you have to collect the materials yourself and also manage a hunger bar and life bar. All objects and items that cannot be collected, such as chests, swords, doors, ovens, etc., must first be crafted at a so-called “crafting table”. The level of difficulty can be adjusted between “peaceful”, “easy”, “normal” and “difficult” depending on the age group.
Despite the simple graphics, which only consist of large pixels, Minecraft is very popular with children. Minecraft sets no limits to creativity. Players can create their very own virtual world and are excited about constructing landscapes and buildings and acquiring the raw materials they need. Playing with other players is particularly challenging in terms of competition and strategy, but creating worlds together can also be a lot of fun and requires coordination. Minecraft players from all over the world come together on online servers to experience different games and adventures together. The most popular modes include Bedwars, Oneblock, Skywars, Build Battle, Murder Mystery and Parkour. Depending on the game mode, special settings and rules apply for the interaction, which is varied and exciting for children and young people.
Minecraft brings together a large community and offers many opportunities for Let’s Play videos on YouTube and live streams on Twitch. Children and young people watch their favorite streamers, learn tips and tricks, exchange ideas with others or post content online themselves. This allows them to experience Minecraft in a different way without playing it themselves.
Minecraft is released by the USK from the age of six. How well children cope with the game depends, among other things, on the selected game mode: while the creative and adventure modes are easy to handle, survival and hardcore modes are more focused on defense and survival. Here, there are obstacles to overcome, such as encounters with monsters, which brings a certain amount of tension. As the game does not set its own limits, e.g. through different levels, it tempts you to play endlessly and lose yourself completely in the virtual world. The game’s controls can also be difficult for inexperienced players. Minecraft offers in-app purchases, e.g. via the Minecraft Marketplace. This is a platform where players can buy skins, mini-games and other content such as maps or resource packs like furniture, etc. Minecraft ‘s in-game currency is called “Minecoins”. PvP maps, in which players compete against each other in different game worlds according to the “player vs. player” principle, are a popular offer.
Such paid elements are appealing to kids and teens because they enhance the gaming experience.
Some paid offers are unsuitable for younger children, for example the “Scary Mods”, which are designed to make the game environment more exciting with creepy creatures, dark environments, scary noises and events.
Minecraft has been part of Microsoft since 2014. Auf der Webseite gibt es die Datenschutzerklärung und Nutzungsbedingungen auf Deutsch. Data is processed and used for product improvement and may also be shared.
The game is designed to encourage creativity and problem-solving skills. In Sweden (the country of origin of Minecraft developer Markus Persson), it is even on the curriculum. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind as a parent:
Younger children should be accompanied while playing in the beginning and should rather use the creative mode or easier difficulty levels of the survival mode. For older children, the hardcore mode may come into question later.
As always with media use, keep an eye on how much time your child spends playing. Make sure to adhere to set media use times and discuss together as a family which modes your child is allowed to play. Make sure the content is age-appropriate and control what content your child is allowed to purchase and use. Some offers on the “Marketplace” are not suitable for younger children. Players can communicate with each other in Minecraft using the chat function.
In the process, children are exposed to communication risks such as conflicts, cyberbullying, but also cybergrooming. Talk to your child about respectful interaction in the chat and encourage them to block and report inappropriate messages. This way, your child can protect themselves from harassment. Explain to your child that he or she should not disclose personal information such as name and address in the chat.
You can use the parental control function of a Microsoft account to restrict communication functions to friends only or deactivate them completely. Access to in-game purchases can also be controlled via the control function.
The game was tested for accessibility as part of the “Gaming without borders” project. According to the test results, Minecraft already does a lot right in terms of accessibility in the areas of understanding, controlling and hearing. The game is quite suitable for children and young people with impairments. However, some hurdles have been identified in the area of “vision”, which makes it difficult for people with visual impairments to use the game. However, Mojang as a development studio is also interested in this and is working on further expanding accessibility.
The world of film is exciting and diverse – and children and young people in particular love to immerse themselves in stories and identify with media heroes. However, not every offer that looks tempting is suitable for young viewers. As a parent, it is your job to give your child access to age-appropriate content. But how can you keep track of the jungle of streaming services, TV programs, movies, social media channels and media libraries?
Educational age recommendations and independent movie reviews can help you make informed decisions and select suitable content together with your child. In this article, we present four platforms.
Would your child like to search for exciting movies online themselves? KinderFilmWelt is a free and secure film portal aimed directly at children aged three to 13. Here, young film fans can find child-friendly reviews of current movies, TV broadcasts, streaming offers and DVD/Blu-ray releases. The films are rated by the editorial team and given educational age recommendations. They show the age from which the films are particularly recommendable and easy to understand. Users can rate films themselves with up to five hearts. The site offers a film lexicon that explains terms from the world of film and offers the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of filmmaking via educational films. KinderFilmWelt is published by the German Children’s and Youth Film Center (KJF), which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs. The portal bears the Seitenstark seal of approval for digital children’s media.
More info: https://www.kinderfilmwelt.de/
Do you need help choosing something suitable for your child from the multitude of moving image offerings? FLIMMO is a free and ad-free guide that helps families choose TV shows, streaming content and social media channels. FLIMMO uses a traffic light system to show whether a movie, series or online channel is suitable for children. Age recommendations help with the selection of age-appropriate content. Educational assessments explain what children like about the content, which aspects could be problematic and what parents should pay particular attention to. FLIMMO also offers practical tips on media education in the family, such as recommendations on going to the movies for the first time or tips on switching off. FLIMMO is published by Programmberatung für Eltern e.V.
More information: Parents’ guide article FLIMMO
Would you like to immerse yourself in the world of film and be inspired? filmdienst.de is an online portal for cinema, film culture and film criticism published by the Catholic Film Commission for Germany. It offers comprehensive ratings and reviews, interviews and portraits of filmmakers and news from film culture, such as festival reports. For you as parents, the platform offers educationally recommended children’s and youth films and thematic film recommendations, such as on friendship or school. Educational age recommendations give an indication of when it is worth watching (together). This makes it easier for you to find suitable films for different occasions or your child’s interests.
More info: https://www.filmdienst.de/suche/filme
The German Film and Media Rating Board (FBW) is an independent institution that assesses films according to their quality and awards outstanding works with the ratings “valuable” or “particularly valuable”. The ratings indicate a particular quality in terms of content and artistry. In the “Children’s and youth films” category on the website, parents can find high-quality films on a wide range of exciting topics – even beyond the well-known blockbusters. In the “Short Film Edition”, the FBW publishes recommended short films for children aged 4 and over, including accompanying media education material on DVD. Another offer is the FBW Youth Film Jury, in which children and young people from the age of 10 rate films and publish their recommendations on the Youth Jury website. These reviews give children and parents additional insights into age-appropriate films.
More info: https://www.fbw-filmbewertung.com/kinderfilme
Educational recommendations should not be confused with age ratings in accordance with the German Youth Protection Act. Age ratings such as those issued by the Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry(FSK) aim to protect children and young people from content that is harmful to their development. They are not a recommendation and cannot say anything about whether your child can handle the content well.
Educational recommendations assess whether a film or series is understandable, appealing and beneficial for a certain age group in terms of content and emotion. Educational assessments show how a medium can support or stimulate children and young people in their development. For example, films and series that address themes such as friendship, courage or cohesion and stand for certain values are recommended.
However, do not rely solely on recommendations, as every child develops differently. Actively accompany your child in their media use right from the start and observe them to understand how they react to certain content.
Just as the Highway Code lays down rules for safe traffic, the Youth Protection Act ensures that children and young people are protected in the media world. Especially in a digitalized society, it is more important than ever to offer young people guidance and protection.
The Youth Protection Act(JuSchG) regulates, among other things, how media must be designed today so that children and young people are not exposed to any dangers when using it. The comprehensively modernized version, which has been in force since May 2021, focuses more strongly on digital services. While previous versions focused primarily on so-called carrier media such as video cassettes and DVDs, CR-ROMs or audio carriers, the updated law also takes into account the challenges of the internet. Media providers must comply with this, otherwise they face penalties. However, this is not so easy because it is a German law and the Internet knows no national borders. However, if the providers of certain services are based in Germany, they must follow these rules. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which has provided uniform rules for digital service providers across Europe since the beginning of 2024, brings additional pressure.
The Youth Protection Act stipulates the age at which young people may have access to certain media – films, programs and online content. In doing so, it draws on the age ratings of the self-regulatory bodies. Providers are obliged to make default settings that protect children and young people in particular from interaction risks such as bullying, sexualized speech(cybergrooming), hate speech, tracking and cost traps.
Many online services and apps therefore have integrated parental control settings, for example TikTok and Instagram. They carry out precise checks on how old users are or even use video procedures to prove their identity. Nevertheless, it is difficult to implement this rule: It is almost impossible to find out for sure whether the answer is really correct by simply asking the user’s age.
The law also provides for reliable, uniform age ratings for games and films that are used online. In addition, the classification is no longer based solely on content, but also on possible interaction risks such as cybergrooming and cost traps.
Previously, the familiar age ratings of the USK and FSK only applied to games and films that were available on so-called carrier media (such as CD-ROMs or video cassettes). Online providers did not have to provide any age information.
Children and young people should be able to easily seek help and complain if they feel threatened or harassed while using media.
The new Federal Agency for the Protection of Children and Young People in the Media is to ensure that these regulations are actually enforced. Organizations such as the Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle Multimedia-Diensteanbieter e.V. have online complaints offices to which young media users and adults can turn to report illegal content or content harmful to minors.
Since 2024, there have also been new regulations throughout Europe for offers that are particularly aimed at children and young people:
Platforms must explain their terms and conditions (terms and conditions of use) in such a way that young users can also understand them well.
The long, hard-to-read texts that are often carelessly clicked away when registering must therefore be replaced by new, comprehensible texts. This should enable children and young people to really understand what they are getting into when they sign up.
Privacy, security and protection of minors should be improved: Providers of apps or programs should take measures to protect their users as well as possible from dangers such as fraud, bullying or hate speech.
Unfortunately, the exact measures have not yet been defined and there are few exemplary solutions. However, the European Commission can issue guidelines to support providers in implementing the precautionary measures.
On platforms such as Tiktok or Instagram, young users create profiles that also contain private information. According to current regulations, however, children and young people may no longer be shown personalized advertising based on this information.
The platform operators must also conscientiously ask the age of the users for this – because children and young people are even less able to see through the fact that personalized advertising is being targeted at them, which is why they need even greater protection than adults.
The repeated revisions of the Youth Protection Act are important in order to adapt legal regulations to the media reality of children and young people. The law can be an important guide for you as parents and offers protection to a certain extent. At least if the providers comply with the obligations set out in the law. Unfortunately, it cannot be ensured that this is always the case. In addition, a frame does not fit each child individually. That is why you should accompany your child very closely in his or her media use, especially in the younger years. The older your child gets, the more freedom they need. Always stay in touch about his media use. This is the only way you can help if, despite protective measures, it has unpleasant experiences on the net or does not understand something.
The smell of cookies, shopping stress, shining children’s eyes: the holidays are approaching and digital devices and games are on the wish lists of many children and young people. What should parents consider before and after giving a gift? Between the years and during the vacations, there is also time for shared family media experiences. How can this be designed in a safe, age-appropriate and even creative way? In this article, we give you an overview of offers from the Elternguide.online partner network.
The Christmas vacations can be long, especially when the weather outside doesn’t really invite you to play. You probably have devices such as smartphones, tablets, cameras or a laptop lying around at home. How about you and your child simply getting started, taking photos or filming yourselves, trying out new creative apps and actively organizing media time? It’s great fun and your child will also learn something about media skills.
On the website kinder.jff.de there are suggestions for simple media projects that children aged 6 and over can do on their own or from the age of 3 with support from you as parents at home. This is helped by child-friendly video instructions in which the implementation of the media projects is shown step by step. How about a photo memory with Christmas tree decorations or an audio story about Christmas traditions?
For young photo fans between the ages of 8 and 12, the knipsclub offers a safe environment in which they can try out their skills in a closed and pedagogically supervised photo community and exchange photos with each other. On the website you will find creative photo tips, for example on painting with light. A real eye-catcher, especially on New Year’s Eve!
You are probably familiar with challenges from social media, e.g. dance challenges on TikTok. Children and young people love to take on challenges. Challenges don’t necessarily only have to take place on the Internet, you can also play them at home with your family! Why not try out the top photo challenge, the clip challenge or the re-enactment challenge? We have made a few suggestions in our parents’ guide article. You can find more Advent challenges on the website of the JFF project webhelm.de.
Children have many questions and learn early on that their questions will be answered on the Internet. How is Christmas celebrated in other countries? What craft tips and baking recipes are there for Christmas? The children’s search engine fragFINN offers children access to 3,500 verified websites, including around 400 children’s sites. Primary school children can gain their first Internet experience here in a protected surfing room and learn how to use search engines and search results. In the fragFINN Advent calendar, children can open a little door every day, behind which there are links to other children’s sites with a wide range of information and offers suitable for the winter season.
You can find more playful learning pages in this parents’ guide article.
Your child will probably also enjoy watching videos. If you are still looking for suitable films, series or YouTube clips, take a look at FLIMMO and have a look.
In addition to age information and educational recommendations for all formats from TV, streaming, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, you will find winter movie tips from the Grüffelokind to the Grinch and the Polar Express under the special “Highlights in Advent”. A TV evening together can be a really nice family experience, especially when it’s as cold and dark outside as it is during the winter vacations. In this article, FLIMMO explains what you need to bear in mind when adding media to your wish list.
Parents must decide individually when their child is ready for their first smartphone, depending on their level of development and experience. After all, a smartphone theoretically opens up the whole world of the Internet to your child, with all its opportunities and risks. klicksafe offers extensive information for parents. Use the smartphone readiness checklist to see whether a smartphone is ready for the Christmas tree. Has the decision been positive? Then find out about technical setting options for Android and iOS and watch the instructions in the form of explanatory videos. You can find all information material from klicksafe in this topic special.
Would you like to prepare your child for the first smartphone under the Christmas tree? Child-friendly information on the first smartphone is available in the children’s magazine Genial Digital from the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk. The fragFINN app gives your child a protected surfing space on their first smartphone and gives them access to quality, positive content.
Are you considering buying a smartwatch as an alternative? Then take a look at this topic from klicksafe. Please note: technical protective measures are no substitute for family discussions and media rules. Stay in contact with your child and accompany them as they take their first steps with a smartwatch or smartphone.
In addition to discussions and media rules, technical youth media protection is an important component of media education. Use the settings for screen time and Digital Wellbeing settings on smartphones to set time limits for the entire device or for different apps and to filter content. The youth protection program JusProg offers a precise filter option for websites and safe default settings for mobile devices and laptops. Google Family Links and YouTube Kids offer in the world of the internet giant Google offer the opportunity to make media experiences safer for your child. Social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok also offer safety features and options for parental guidance. Streaming with the family can be a fun activity during the vacations. Almost all streaming services have certified offers for the protection of minors. Use your own child profiles and the parental control function with the PIN. Many of the youth protection programs have been approved by the expert commission of the Voluntary Self-Regulation of Multimedia Service Providers (FSM). You can find out more about technical solutions for the protection of minors in the media on the FSM website.
Detailed instructions for all devices can be found on the website medien-kindersicher.de.
Which games should I give my child for Christmas? Are games okay for preschoolers? In the family section of the USK website and via the USK brochures, you will find all the information you need on the USK’s age ratings, the additional information and how to deal with the subject of games in the family.
The USK mark indicates the age at which a game does not cause any developmental impairments. The additional information such as “fantasy violence” or “pressure to act” gives parents a good indication of whether a game is suitable for their own child. Educational assessments of games can be found at the NRW games guide. Descriptions of popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft or Roblox are available on Elternguide.online. The USK lexicon explains the most important terms, devices and genres.
Would you like to make your child happy with a game for Christmas? Find out about the distribution channels for games and technical precautionary measures. Various settings for the protection of minors can be made on consoles as well as in game stores and the games themselves. Play together with your child and ask them interesting questions about their favorite games.
The team at Elternguide.online wishes you and your family a wonderful Christmas season and lots of fun using media safely and creatively!
Whether chatbots like My AI or digital assistants like Alexa – Artificial intelligence has long since found its way into everyday family life. This makes people curious and encourages them to try it out for themselves. In this article, we show you a few ways in which children and young people can use AI tools creatively.
AI picture generators allow your child to give free rein to their creativity and create exciting works of art. For example, they can create pictures in the style of different art movements such as Impressionism or Pop Art or be inspired by famous artists. Leonardo.AI offers one way of doing this. The tool is available as an app for Android and iOS or can be used directly in the internet browser. In the free version, 150 tokens (a type of digital currency) are available per day, which can be used to generate at least 10 images. Your child can also upload their own pictures and videos and edit them in the style of famous artists. However, please pay attention to your child’s data protection and privacy. Leonardo AI has a USK rating from the age of 12.
Further information: https://leonardo.ai/
From birthday songs to hip-hop songs – with the Suno tool, your child can generate a variety of songs from instruments and vocals. The program creates songs based on input from instructions (called prompts). For example: “Create a cheerful pop song about 4b’s hiking day in the city forest”. Up to ten songs can be generated every day, with each prompt your child receives two song suggestions. They can listen to these directly and download them if necessary. Your child can either write the lyrics themselves or have them generated automatically by the program. The resulting songs may be used for non-commercial purposes. Free registration is required for use, for example with a Google-account is required. According to the terms and conditions, the tool may be used from the age of 13, the USK age rating with regard to the protection of minors is “from 12 years”. Suno is available as an app for Android and iOS as well as a browser application.
Further information: https://suno.com/
It’s raining outside and all the activities at home seem to have been exhausted? How about a special coloring activity? With ChatGPT you can not only support schoolwork, but also create coloring pages according to your child’s wishes. To do this, your child enters the command for how the picture should look in the chat window and receives a generated picture from the chatbot. ChatGPT has a USK rating from the age of 0 and can be used from the age of 13 with the consent of a parent or guardian. We explain exactly how the tool works and what you should bear in mind in this article: https://www.elternguide.online/chatgpt/
With the low-threshold design program Canva, your child can get creative with a variety of AI tools and editing functions. The program can be used either via the website or via the Canva app for Android and iOS. It’s perfect for creating your own comics or photo stories. Here’s how it works:
Registration is required to work with Canva. According to the terms and conditions, the tool is only permitted for children up to the age of 13 with parental consent, the USK age rating is “0 years and older”. The tool is free of charge, additional content can be unlocked with a paid subscription.
Further information: https://canva.com
If your child wants to use creative AI tools, you as a parent should pay attention to the following points:
FSK, USK, PEGI, FSF and FSM – these are all abbreviations for institutions for the protection of minors in the media, so-called self-regulatory bodies. Parents come across their logos and age ratings everywhere: in app stores, on streaming services, on DVDs or in TV programs. We explain who or what exactly is behind them.
The Youth Protection Act and the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media stipulate that media must not endanger the development of children and young people – for example through violence or other critical content. Age limits such as 0, 6, 12, 16 or 18 years help to classify content accordingly.
The audit is carried out by various self-regulatory bodies:
Tip: FSK ratings help to assess whether content is generally approved for young people. They are not a recommendation and do not help you decide whether your child can process the content emotionally. Platforms such as FLIMMO offer additional educational recommendations.
Tip: Platforms such as Spieleratgeber NRW rate apps not only according to age, but also according to their educational value.
Tip: Check age ratings and discuss with your child what content is appropriate.
The age ratings are a measure for the protection of minors. The aim is not to impair the development of children and young people, for example by depicting violence or sexual acts. The age ratings are binding. An 18+ game may not be sold to younger children and films that are rated 12+ may not be seen in cinemas by younger children without an accompanying adult.
Things are a little different within your own four walls: the state does not generally regulate what media content your child is allowed to watch at home. You may make media content accessible to your child that is not approved for their age. However, the duty to educate must not be violated in the process. You need to assess how your child handles certain content and whether he or she can process it. The age ratings provide a good orientation! FSK, USK and FSF ratings provide no information as to whether children already understand the content and whether it is recommended for a certain age from an educational point of view. However, the individual justifications of classified films, series and games can be read on the websites of the self-regulatory bodies. You should also take a look at educational recommendations, such as the NRW games guide and spielbar.de for games and the FLIMMO website for films, series and TV programs.
What words did you use when you were younger – and what did your parents think? Think about it. Because it is perfectly normal that sometimes you do not understand your child because he uses words that you do not know or understand.
Our language is shaped by the adult world. Adolescents have a strong need to form their own identity, to become independent and to distinguish themselves from adults. This is also expressed in the so-called youth language with which they create their own world. With their own language, or at least their own terms, they create something of their own and typical of youth. This connects and creates self-confidence. Using the “outdated” slang of the parents would sound old-fashioned and uncool.
In each new generation, in certain youth scenes and even in different places, youth language changes and there are different words and expressions. Typically, young people speak more easily than adults. In doing so, they sometimes use unusual or unfamiliar terms. The language is less “correct” because young people speak more spontaneously. Instead, it transports much more feelings and moods.
Online communication also has a strong influence on how young people speak or write. In messenger chat, for example, emojis and stickers are used. The language is significantly abbreviated and often incorrect. Terms from the gaming and rap scene, from influencers and, above all, from the English language that dominates the internet are used. Many terms are reflected in hashtags, such as #staywoke for the visibility of social inequality. Which language young people use depends on where they are on the Internet and which trend is currently in vogue. In this way, they show which youth culture they feel they belong to and which media role models they emulate.
Check out your knowledge around your child’s language. The following words will be particularly popular in 2024. At the end of the post you will find the resolution.
So there is no serious reason to worry if you sometimes do not understand your child. Respect the desire for boundaries and generally be understanding if your child uses different words than you do. But that doesn’t mean you have to let him tell you everything. Especially if the language is indecent, hurtful or offensive. Tell your child. Make it clear to them why they should not speak to others in the same way and, if necessary, agree on rules for dealing with each other. The use of youth language can also be problematic in online communication, for example in trash talk in online games or cyberbullying. Talk to your child about respectful behavior online. The same rules that apply offline for fair and respectful interaction should also be observed online: Fairness, openness and respect.
You are and will always be the adult your child wants to be different from. Therefore, do not try to approach linguistically. This is more likely to be perceived by your child as an invasion of his or her privacy. Speak the way you always do. Nevertheless, you can occasionally enjoy your child’s imaginative word creations and ask if you don’t understand something!
Solutions:
Call of Duty is one of the world’s most successful first-person shooter game series. Players fight at breakneck speed as a soldier against others or in a futuristic war against aliens and zombies. The aim is to shoot the enemy by force of arms.
Players take on the role of soldiers and find themselves in various historical or imaginary theaters of war. There they engage in constant gun battles with enemies, as many of whom must be killed as possible. In multiplayer mode, you play online in a network against and with other players. A new installment of the game series has been released almost every year since 2003. There are always more functions or other worlds to keep the community loyal to Call of Duty. The various games do not build on each other. The most popular games in the story series include “Black Ops” and “Modern Warfare”. In the online battle royale mode “Warzone”, players fight against each other on a map (= game world) with the aim of surviving as long as possible. Many players are particularly excited about this new mode, as it brings a new appeal to the more than 27 different Call of Duty titles.
With this game, the developers of the Call of Duty series offer an authentic and aesthetically pleasing military gaming experience that will delight young people and adults alike. The fascination is comparable to watching an action movie, except that the players themselves slip into the role of soldiers. At the same time, the game looks very realistic and at the same time it is a simulation. For most gamers, this way of fighting is unimaginable in reality and thus clearly separable from reality.
Games that are not yet intended for their age have a special appeal for young people, which is why Call of Duty is also played by under-18s. They want to test themselves and try out or prove themselves to their peers by playing such games or pretending to do so.
Gun violence, poison gas and drone attacks, highly visible killing and bloodbaths are all part of the game. Due to its violent plot and atmosphere, the game is not suitable for children and teenagers. Understanding the game’s story and making moral decisions in the game requires the ability to reflect and a certain maturity. Time and again, the effects of computer games like Call of Duty are discussed. The first-person shooter perspective is problematic, whereby events are shown from the character’s point of view. Whether this triggers a higher level of aggression due to a stronger identification with the character has not yet been scientifically confirmed. This is not a realistic war simulation. Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, has now also added in-game purchases to online titles such as “Warzone” and “Modern Warfare”. Players can use Call of Duty Points (CP) to spend money on skins, weapons and other game content. A Battle Pass, a common reward system in video games, is now also available in Call of Duty. However, such usage risks are generally more of a potential problem for younger players.
The game is intended for adults 18 years and older. The publisher is Activision, one of the world’s largest games companies, headquartered in the USA. According to its terms of service, guardians can consent to an Activision account if their child is over the age of 13 and under the age of 18. The provider states that it does not store any personal data of minors.
As a parent, you can decide whether or not to let your child play games that are not appropriate for their age according to the USK. You are best placed to assess whether your child can distinguish between virtual violence and real violence and whether depictions of war can have a frightening effect on your child. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that the age restrictions are not without reason. On sites such as spielbar.de or Spieleratgeber NRW you can find educational assessments of various games.
Always stay in conversation with your child so that you know what they are playing and how they are using games. Also ask what your child is watching on YouTube watches. There may also be videos about computer games – so-called Let’s Plays. It’s not always true when children talk about friends who are supposedly allowed to play first-person shooters like Call of Duty .
Discuss this with other parents. You must decide for yourself and your family what is best for your child. You can also block Call of Duty: Mobile or other games or apps that are harmful to minors via the Family Sharing function or directly in the settings on your child’s smartphone, e.g. via Screen Time.
Numerous videos are currently circulating on TikTok in which young men attract attention with striking outfits and dramatic poses. They present themselves as “strong” figures, box into the camera or throw cool slogans. The so-called “talahon” trend inspires many young people and at the same time leads to discussions about role models and prejudices. We explain what is behind the phenomenon and the challenges it poses.
The “Talahon” trend revolves around a special type of video on TikTok in which mostly young men with a migrant background present themselves in eye-catching outfits: Sweatpants, branded accessories such as fanny packs from Gucci, loose-fitting T-shirts and eye-catching jewelry. The term “talahon” is derived from the Arabic expression “taeal huna” (تعال هنا), which means “come here”. The term became known through the song “TA3AL LAHON” by rapper Hassan, which addresses the hard, urban life and often serves as background music in these videos.
But “Talahon” is more than just visual self-presentation. For many young people, this trend symbolizes strength and recognition. Especially for those who move between different cultures. The style is sometimes humorous and ironic, but is also often interpreted as an expression of pride and belonging. At the same time, the trend offers an outlet for the social pressure and prejudices to which these young people are exposed.
The appeal of the trend lies in the search for identity and belonging, which is particularly formative in the adolescent phase. Many young people long for recognition and a way to stand out on social media and in front of their peers. The “talahon” style conveys strength and rebellion. It allows young people to present themselves beyond classic role models. Studies show that young people often experiment to try out different roles and affiliations – and TikTok offers a perfect stage for this.
For many, “Talahon” embodies the desire for recognition in a society in which young people with a migrant background live between different cultures and often struggle with prejudice. The trend is therefore also perceived as an expression of autonomy and independence
The “Talahon” trend is more than just a youthful style movement – it reinforces stereotypical ideas in some cases and can therefore fuel existing prejudices against young people with a migrant background. The stereotypical staging of “tough masculinity” in these videos, often with aggressive gestures and a rebellious demeanor, suggests a certain image of migrant youth that can easily be misunderstood by the public. For younger viewers in particular, who see such portrayals as role models, this harbors the risk of adopting one-sided role models as “real” images of masculinity.
Another problem is the increasing instrumentalization of the term “Talahon” in right-wing political circles. Originally used humorously, it is now often used as a pejorative and as a collective term for clichés about “problem youths” or those “unwilling to integrate”. Right-wing groups use these videos specifically to spread a negative image of young migrants and stir up social tensions. The stereotypical portrayal in “Talahon” videos creates a distorted image that generalizes young people and ascribes problematic characteristics to them – from “dangerousness” to “unwillingness to integrate socially”. This content is often accompanied by racist comments on social media, which include calls for deportations and blanket condemnations.
The stereotypical portrayal tempts some young people with a history of migration to conform to this role model in order to find recognition and a sense of belonging. In the long term, this can restrict their identity and reinforce their feeling of being an outsider. At the same time, this can lead to prejudice in society and discrimination.
