Protecting personal data in the online world is important. That is why the messenger service Threema was developed. Maybe this is also an alternative for digital communication in your family?
The paid messenger is similar to WhatsApp but attaches particular importance to data minimization. Each user receives a random Threema ID upon registration. This can be passed on to people with whom communication is to take place. Linking to a cell phone number or email address is also possible, but not mandatory. Without a cell phone number or e-mail address, the messenger service can be used anonymously, i.e. without providing any personal data.
Messages and calls are sent end-to-end encrypted, i.e. they can only be decrypted by the recipient. Also, messages are deleted from the server after delivery. Contacts and so-called meta data are only backed up on the user’s own device. In addition to the usual functions, there is the possibility to perform voting. With Threema Web, the messenger can also be used via PC. Additionally, there are Threema applications for schools and businesses.
Threema has far fewer users than WhatsApp, although the app offers similar features and data protection and privacy are better regulated. But it also has to be purchased at some point. Since almost everyone uses WhatsApp, it doesn’t seem necessary for young people to look for alternatives. Alternative and data-secure messengers are most likely to be installed by young people as a second or third app.
Since Threema complies with data protection laws (like the DSGVO), the app is already approved for children and teenagers. The communication risks associated with the use of a messenger, such as cyberbullyingand sexting, cannot be prevented with good data protection, as they usually originate from the users themselves.
Threema is a Swiss company that places particular emphasis on independence. It has its own servers for its service and develops everything itself.
On the website, Threema advertises guaranteed privacy and the best encryption. Threema has also documented how the encryption works there.
In theory, Threema offers a high level of data protection. Users can decide for themselves how strongly they want to implement this – via the privacy settings in the app.
As with other messengers, you as parents should raise awareness about responsible use. Make your child aware of the dangers of messenger services described above. Familiarize yourself and your child with Messenger security settings, such as blocking unknown contacts.
Discuss the advantages of Threema and other data-saving messengers over WhatsApp. A free alternative is Signal.
Even children have the right to participate. They must be given the opportunity to voice their opinion and have a say in the decision-making process. There are many ways to do this in the digital world.
Children have their own way of looking at the world and different needs than adults. In order for them to grow up in an environment that is suitable for them, they must be able to have a say in all matters that concern them, in accordance with their age. This is also stated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children need to be able to learn what interests them – at school, in family conversations, or on the Internet. Then they can express what they think and what they would like to change.
However, children are often not taken seriously or are not even listened to. But you would like to participate!
Participation works best for children when it takes place in their immediate environment: in the family, the daycare center, the school, the playground around the corner… or on the Internet!
An important basis for forming an opinion is understandable, i.e. child-friendly, information, e.g. news for children. With children’s search engines, such as Blinde Kuh or fragFINN, children can independently research the topics that interest them and are important to them. If children want to learn about politics and their rights, they can do so at HanisauLand, for example. There are comics, an encyclopedia, games and tips for books or movies. Children should also be able to find out about their rights, such as at the Children’s Ministry: here, children’s rights are presented with colorful pictures and explanations and videos read out by children. On the join-in website Kindersache.de, children can find out and exchange information about children’s rights as well as leisure and political topics.
Participation means even more than being informed and being able to form an opinion. Children should also be able to participate directly in decisions online. The Internet in particular offers them a wide range of opportunities to make a difference and help shape the future. Through the app #stadtsache, children (and young people) can draw attention to places in their neighborhood that they like, that annoy them, or that they would like to improve. With photos, videos or sound recordings, they can point out to adults, for example, a broken playground or a corner where there is always a lot of trash. There is also a questionnaire on the website that children can fill out to rate their city.
If your child would like to get involved beyond offerings on the web, you can use the German Children’s Fund ‘s Children’s Policy Map for offerings in your area. There you can also search for specific offers on “Politics with/for children”.
Democracy and participation start in the family. Let your child have as much say as possible. Young children can also be introduced and practice co-decision-making in the family. For example, when it comes to media use in the family, you can set up rules together. A media usage agreement helps with this. Wherever your child is concerned, he or she should be allowed to have a say.
If a say in the matter is not possible because your child does not yet appreciate the consequences of a decision and it might harm him or her, however, you should explain exactly why you are deciding for your child.
Make your child aware of sites on the web where he or she can get information and participate. Even though children can be relatively independent on the relevant sites, you should still accompany your child if possible. Talk about topics it has seen on children’s news or picked up elsewhere. If your child has a say in the family, he or she will be motivated to advocate for his or her own interests outside of it.
Young people want to speak their minds and be listened to. They want to have a say and a say in decision-making. The Internet offers young people various opportunities to get involved and get engaged.
The vast majority of young people are interested in political issues, such as environmental protection, rights on the Internet or the fight against racism. But political issues are also those that don’t seem so at first glance: Anyone interested in fashion can campaign for those who make the clothes to be treated and paid fairly.
Unfortunately, the opinions of young people are far too rarely heard. They are eligible to vote in elections only in some states from the age of 16 and have little say in other areas. This contributes to the fact that many young people are not motivated to become politically involved. They think that their voice can’t make much difference. At the same time, most young people would like to see more participation. The Internet offers them various options for this.
Participation – or involvement – on the Net is a very broad term. It can mean discussing in conversations, such as with friends on WhatsApp chat, or liking or sharing a picture with a political statement on Instagram. Another way to participate online is to actively post political content, such as a short statement on a currently discussed topic on TikTok.
The prerequisite for this is that young people are interested in something. Often interests are already there, but not all young people are aware of this. There is a lack of opportunities to exchange ideas on certain topics or knowledge about participation opportunities.
Participation begins with informing oneself and thereby forming one’s own opinion on a topic. This can happen at school, but also in the family among friends or on YouTube. The Internet is the most important place for most young people to engage with their issues. It offers many opportunities for this, but also risks, because extremist groups also use the Internet for their speeches. In some cases, fraudulent offers even state supposed concerns such as animal welfare in order to lure young people. There are also conspiracy myths and fake news circulating that young people encounter in their search for information. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how and where you get information. Various Internet resources can help spark interest in participation and serve as a good resource for forming an opinion. A concrete offer for young people is, for example, the young magazine Fluter from the Federal Agency for Civic Education.
You can also network online with others interested in politics. Social networks are used to organize and plan events, such as meetings, demonstrations or other actions. Fridays for Future or Save the Internet are examples of how committed young people use the Internet for their movement.
Participation in the digital space mostly takes place in social networks. There are many groups on Facebook that advocate for specific causes. A simple search for corresponding groups helps here. On Facebook, there are also groups of the youth organizations of political parties or of non-profit associations.
Participation is also possible via apps and platforms such as PlaceM. This app can be used to create so-called “Places” where participation is to be strengthened. This can be the district, the community, the class or the sports club. Participation is realized here primarily through surveys. Participation will be rewarded with points. Another platform for youth participation is OPIN, which aims to promote youth participation in Europe. Platforms like adhocracy also encourage digital participation. In addition, young people can participate in ePetitions or create their own. This works with WeAct from campact or with openPetition.
Take your child’s interests seriously, even if they may seem foreign to you. Be supportive if your child is interested in a particular topic. Show him ways to get informed. At the same time, it is important to point out dangers that your child may encounter while searching for information. You can find more information about this in our articles All fake? Recognize false reports and extremism on the net
If your child wants to get involved in something, talk to him or her about possibilities and do some research together, e.g. on (youth) initiatives and organizations. The corresponding pages can usually be found quickly via search engines. It is important to let your child understand that they can make a difference and that it is important to voice their own opinion.
