Anyone who smears a swastika on a house wall will be punished for it. But the street has long since ceased to be the sole place for the dissemination of forbidden symbols. On the internet, one click is all it takes to share a text, image or video with prohibited content with numerous readers. As in the physical world, there are also rules in the digital world. We provide information about prohibited symbols on the Internet.
It is forbidden to use signs of unconstitutional organizations. This is stated in Section 86a of the Criminal Code. Such marks are symbols that can be clearly assigned to a specific organization, such as the swastika. Slogans such as “Heil Hitler” are also banned because they clearly refer to National Socialism. Unconstitutional organizations are banned parties, associations or Nazi organizations.
Sharing prohibited symbols online is not always punishable by law. For example, if someone writes “Heil Hitler” in a private chat, this has no legal consequences. However, if the same person shares this publicly on platforms such as Facebook, X or TikTok, it is punishable by law. The distribution of such symbols in public spaces is prohibited by law.
Parents are not liable for their children if they share prohibited content under the age of 14. However, in most cases the youth welfare office is informed, which works with the parents and child to try to work through the background to the sharing. From the age of 14, juveniles can be prosecuted under the Criminal Code.
Children can share forbidden symbols such as the swastika or SS runes online with a simple click, without understanding the potential legal consequences. In what way prohibited symbols are shared does not matter. Whether in text, photos or videos – public sharing in itself is punishable by law. That’s what makes it so treacherous, especially for children. Because a video or meme that seems funny at first glance may contain prohibited symbols. Anyone who is not familiar with it has quickly shared it and thus spread prohibited content.
It is also problematic that some symbols are banned in Germany, while they are permitted in other parts of the world. Symbols from the Nazi era in particular may be legally shared online in some countries. This is why children can unknowingly google, download and share the swastika – despite the ban in Germany. Extremist groups often use social networks to share banned symbols and content, as many people are reached and tracking is often difficult.
Education and guidance: Find out together with your child which symbols are prohibited and why, in order to develop a better understanding of potentially problematic content. It is important and permitted to show such symbols for educational purposes and to explain the background and consequences. A good and quick overview is provided by the Democracy and Diversity website and the NinA NRW project. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has detailed descriptions of various distinctive signs and symbols of right-wing extremist movements.
Delete and report: If you or your child receive a forbidden symbol in private chats, delete it immediately. If you discover any on the Internet, it is important to report them to the police or to complaints offices on the Internet.
Open communication: Encourage an open exchange about online activities. Encourage your child to talk about their experiences online, including unpleasant or worrying situations.
Encourage critical thinking: Strengthen your child’s critical thinking in the online environment. Discuss how to critically scrutinize news and content on the Internet.
Against trivialization: Take an active stand against the trivialization of prohibited symbols. Explain to your child that these symbols represent extremist ideologies in today’s world.
For resistance: Encourage your child to take a stand against the distribution of prohibited symbols. Promote a positive online community, stand up for tolerance and democratic values.
Cyberbullying, harassment, extremist content – some app and social network operators can delete images and other content if it is brought to their attention. A crucial step in this direction is reporting online problems. This article introduces hotlines.
Reporting problematic behavior or content enables the responsible institutions and organizations to act quickly and protect your child. By reporting, you can help prevent similar incidents in the future, for example by removing a shocking video. In some cases, problematic online behavior can have criminal consequences. Reporting such incidents can help ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
Some of the most common types of online problems that should be reported:
You can always report a problem directly in the app where it occurs. For example, if it violates the usage policy, threatens security, or harasses. Or when it is urgent and requires immediate action. Reporting in the app enables faster response and action from app administrators. To do this, look for an option like “Report,” “Send feedback,” or “Help” – these are often located in the app’s settings or menu.
In addition, there are official hotlines set up specifically to report problematic online behavior:
Young people can report problematic content such as hate speech or extremist comments to the contact point. The website also offers information and advice on communication risks such as cyberbullying and sexual harassment. Young scouts offer online advice via contact form and messenger on stress on the Internet, dealing with beauty images, media addiction and much more.
The FSM is an institution concerned with the protection of children and young people in the media. The FSM’s complaints office enables parents and other users to report problematic content on the Internet. The complaints office examines the reports and can take action to stop the dissemination of problematic content if necessary.
This government agency deals with the protection of minors from harmful media in Germany. Here you can report violations related to content harmful to minors. The website provides clear guidance and advice on how to report problematic content. In addition, jugendschutz.net informs about current developments in the field of youth media protection.
The Internet Complaint Center is a central point of contact for reporting illegal content on the Internet, especially in connection with child sexual abuse. It works closely with the relevant law enforcement agencies to remove such content and prosecute offenders.
Familiarize yourself with the various reporting options. Do not hesitate to take advantage of them. Educate your child about potential conflicts online. Encourage it to tell you about problems. Use parental control settings and programs.
Keep an eye on your child’s online activities and stay in the loop so you can respond to problems early.
In addition, if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to deal with certain online issues, you can seek counseling services. There are some counseling services for youth and parents. The number against sorrow offers, for example, a youth counseling service and a parents’ hotline for problems such as excessive demands, worries or parenting problems.
The Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) is the voluntary self-regulation body of the games industry. It is responsible for age rating reviews of digital games in Germany.
The USK is recognized as a competent self-regulator under both the German Federal Youth Protection Act and the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media. In the area of the German Youth Protection Act, state representatives issue the statutory age ratings at the end of a USK procedure on the recommendation of independent youth protection experts.
In addition, the USK assigns age ratings within the international IARC system (International Age Rating Coalition) for online games and apps. In addition, the USK supports companies from the games industry in complying with and further developing the protection of minors in the gaming sector, for example in the area of technical protection of minors, and is involved in the area of media education, among other things with initiatives such as the Elternguide.online.
The games applied for USK testing are played through completely by trained volunteer reviewers and then presented to a testing panel that is independent of the games industry. The review panel consists of four youth protection experts and one permanent representative of the supreme state youth authorities (OLJB). The youth protection experts come from academia, media education, church institutions and youth facilities, and have experience in working with media and with children and young people. After extensive discussion, the youth protection experts recommend an age rating. The OLJB Permanent Representative may adopt or appeal this age release. Subsequently, the USK receives the test result and communicates it to the applicants. If they also do not appeal, triggering a new review, the game will receive the legal age rating by the OLJB’s Permanent Representation to the USK.
In the online area, the USK assigns age ratings within the framework of the international system IARC (International Age Rating Coalition). This is an association of the various organizations responsible for age rating worldwide, such as ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) in the USA, PEGI (Pan European Game Information) in Europe, ClassInd (Classificação Indicativa) in Brazil, GRAC (Game Rating and Administration Committee) in South Korea, ACB (Australian Classification Board) in Australia and the USK in Germany. At IARC, online game and app providers go through a questionnaire on content relevant to youth protection. An age rating is then issued from the respective entries according to the specifications and criteria of the respective national self-regulation (for Germany, the USK). In all distribution platforms connected to this system, age ratings from the USK are thus available. Connected systems include the Google Playstore, Nintendo eShop, Xbox Store, Sony Playstation Store, and Oculus Store.
There are set criteria for the age rating of digital games. These guiding criteria are decided and adapted by the USK’s advisory board, which is made up of various social groups. The guiding criteria serve as a basis for review panels in assessing the risks of possible developmental impairment to children and adolescents when playing games that are not age-appropriate. They provide support in the decision-making process.
The focus is on the presumption of impact, i.e. the extent to which young people’s development could be impaired or even endangered. These include criteria such as the atmosphere in the game, violence or pressure to act. Since 2023, so-called “usage risks”, for example functions such as chats, in-game purchases or location sharing, have also been taken into account in the youth protection review and can have an influence on the age rating. More information about the USK’s guiding criteria can be found on the USK’s website.
The age rating symbols awarded include USK 0 (released without age restriction), USK 6, USK 12, USK 16 and USK 18 (no youth rating).
Since January 2023, the USK’s age rating labels have included additional information about the reasons for the age rating as well as existing online functions in the game. In this way, parents can see at a glance which reasons led to the age rating (for example, “comic book violence” or “pressure to act”) and which risks should be kept in mind when using media (for example, “chats”, “in-game purchases” or “location sharing”). The notices can be found on the back of the game packaging, on the corresponding online platforms and in the USK title database.
In principle, the state does not regulate with its age labels how and what media content parents make available to their children at home. However, parents should only give or allow their children to play games that have an appropriate age rating. However, the labels do not provide any information about the difficulty level of a game or its respective pedagogical suitability. An educational assessment on digital games is provided, for example, by the NRW Game Guide, which is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Three tips for parents from the USK:
Poppy Playtime is a detailed horror computer game in a colorful, childish setting. However, it is only ostensibly aimed at a younger audience. We have taken a look at the game.
The survival horror video game is a chase through an empty toy factory. The task is to break into the dark and disused factory building from the first-person perspective and find out what happened to the female employees who suddenly disappeared ten years ago.
The first chapter, released in the fall of 2021 for Microsoft Windows, was an instant success. Versions for Android and iOS were added in 2022. Likewise the second chapter.
The mascot and equally figurehead of the first chapter is a plush figure: Huggy Wuggy. This blue creature with a wide grin, pointed teeth, bulging eyes and long limbs hands out deadly hugs.
Poppy Playtime appeals to children and teens in their developmental stage, when they are looking for challenges and exciting experiences. It offers a mix of excitement, puzzles and adventure that will delight young players. Exploring the game world full of interactive elements, solving puzzles and discovering the mystery of the toy factory encourages their curiosity and imagination.
Through Let’s Play videos, the main character Huggy Wuggy became known beyond the gaming scene. Video clips are also circulating on TikTok, Instagram and especially YouTube, and the plush figure can be found at fun fairs, in children’s rooms, in playgrounds. Huggy Wuggy even looks cute to some at first glance, but scares them away with his creepy visage and nasty intentions. He hunts, without mercy. In some kindergartens and schools it is forbidden to take the creepy stuffed animal.
The presentation of the game appeals to children, but it is completely unsuitable for them; even in the role of spectators. It is aimed – if at all – at older teenagers and adults. It’s a game with blood splatters, blood pools, violence and horror elements in a creepy atmosphere. In addition, young children in particular often find it very difficult to see through the fact that these are fictional stories. The toy figure has a frightening effect and can be very disturbing for children in the long term.
The provider MOB Games emphasizes the child-friendly design of the game and careful consideration of children’s safety. No personal information would be collected from players and no opportunities for external communication or interaction would be offered. The provider considers the game suitable for children from 8 years. Parents should accompany and support their child during play.
Make sure that play is truly appropriate for your child’s age and maturity. Only adolescents who have sufficient emotional maturity to process anxiety-provoking and stress-inducing content should play Poppy Playtime.
Keep an eye on your child’s reactions and make sure they feel comfortable and safe playing or watching. Occasionally play along with your child or watch how he or she plays. This will allow you to better understand your child’s experience and provide support as needed.
Encourage your child to tell you about their play experiences and ask questions. Be open to talking about the game and potential issues that may arise.
Keep an eye on your child’s screen time. It’s best to set media rules together – and set a good example yourself. This is the best way for your child to find a balance between play, learning, physical activity and social interaction.
For a few weeks now, the Netflix series“Squid Game” has been making headlines. One reason is that it is so successful. On the other hand, it is also reported that many children watch the series and act out scenes from it with other children. However, the series contains very brutal scenes and is therefore marked with an age rating of 16. Topics that are problematic and overwhelming for children include organ trafficking and depictions of sadism.
Make sure that your child cannot watch the series at home if he or she is not yet 16 years old. To do this, you can set parental control settings on Netflix. If your child has a child profile, then he or she will not be able to view content that is not age-appropriate. You can also protect an account with a PIN. For more information, click here.
Your child may still watch the series or come into contact with it, for example, at school, through friends, or in apps and onlien games. Even young people who are already 16 years old or older sometimes cannot process the violence in the series themselves. If your child has had an unpleasant experience with the series, be sure to talk about it with your child and convey that the story in the series has little to do with reality.
More information for parents and suggestions for dealing with the series can be found on the following websites:
Counter-Strike is a strategic first-person shooter game in which teams compete as anti-terrorist units or terrorists. As a multiplayer game, it has been popular all over the world for around 20 years – even among young gamers.
All versions of the game work on the same principle: two teams compete against each other and either try to eliminate the opposing team members with their weapons or fulfill the respective goal. In the process, anti-terrorist units usually have to rescue hostages and terrorists detonate bombs. Currently, the version CS: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is played.
Counter-Strike is a first-person shooter, like Call of Duty, for example. This means that players see the game world from the first-person perspective. Most of the time you can only see your own weapon, which you use to aim at the opponent’s end of the game.
At first glance, the game looks like it’s all about violence. The focus is on strategy and tactics. Gamers must constantly interact with team members and make elaborate plans to win. Gamers come together in communities called clans around the world and compete against each other in matches.
Counter-Strike is reminiscent of “cops and robbers”. The players slip into different roles and have to prove themselves against others. Young people in particular find this appealing. In addition to the competition aspect, there is the possibility of community building. They come together in clans, train together, and compete against others in professional competitions. It is usually about getting recognition from others through special achievements. Young people want to test their skills and compare them with each other. Age restrictions or bans rarely play a role or can even make a game particularly attractive.
Even though the shooting in Counter-Strike is depicted comparatively unrealistically, the environments, game endings and weapons look very real. Such depictions of violence can have negative consequences, especially for younger gamers. If they are not yet able to properly assess and process them, they can cause them anxiety. That is why it is important to take the age restriction (USK: 16) seriously.
During gameplay, people often communicate with each other via a headset or chat. The language is often very rough and insulting. Even in online forums where gamers exchange ideas outside of Counter-Strike, there is often communication that is not appropriate for children and teens.
In addition, there is the urge to become better and better. Especially getting started is difficult in Counter-Strike and can quickly lead to frustration. In the worst case, it can lead to computer game addiction. In connection with the competitive nature, in-game purchases also play a role. For example, weapons can be purchased.
The provider clarifies that the game contains extreme violence and blood. Although the game overall seems realistic, care was taken to ensure that at least the shooting was clearly differentiated from reality. For example, defeated opponents disappear into thin air.
Teenagers who desperately want to play such a game, which is not suitable for their age, usually still find a way. Nevertheless, as parents, pay attention to the USK age label and explain to your child why this is important for the protection of children and young people. At the same time, it is helpful to talk to other parents. Especially if the game is popular among friends, this can help to ensure that people play responsibly with each other and that common rules apply to everyone.
If your child plays Counter-Strike because he is already 16 years old or you consider him mature enough, be sure to talk to him about his gaming experience. This allows your son or daughter to reflect on and better process what he or she has experienced in the game. Communication with other players is also crucial. Ask your child what is talked about in the chat and how he/she finds it.
Cartoons in which the main character beats up another or computer games in which the game character shoots his opponents out of the way to get to the goal – this is violent content in media that is not uncommon and can be encountered by even younger children when using media. Violence is not only found in made-up stories; children and young people also encounter it in TV news, commercials, YouTube videos and elsewhere on the web.
A lot of content from movies, videos, or games that is easy for older children, teens, and adults to process can scare young children. Only with time do they learn to correctly classify what they see on a screen and what is to be understood as a media experience. Children must learn to cope over time and develop strategies to process the representations.
For this reason, there are age restrictions for depictions of violence in the media, which are regulated by the protection of minors in the media. Films and computer games are given an age rating (FSK and USK) to indicate that the content is only suitable for children over a certain age.
At the same time, violence in the media does not automatically lead to children and young people becoming conspicuous, aggressive, frightened or violent. We have to look more closely: Does the depiction of violence make sense for the story or is it just about the joy of bloodshed? Does it take place in a serene or menacingly somber environment? Are the acts of violence trivialized as in some comics or computer games such as Clash of Clans? Is violent action in movies, comics, or games punished or rewarded? Moreover, not all violence has to be physical. Psychological violence can also be very scary. Younger children in particular can be frightened by menacing voices, gloomy lighting or dramatic music. Horror films “play” with the emotion of fear more than there are excessive and threatening depictions of violence. Even young people have to understand that first.
It is important for children and young people to be able to create a distance to what they perceive and understand that it is not reality. Therefore, talk to your child about what he or she has seen and observe how he or she copes with certain media content. If your child is younger, guide him or her in media use. Address your child’s questions, offer protection and explanations. Make sure your child can only access age-appropriate media.
Call of Duty is one of the world’s most successful first-person shooter games, which is also available as a free mobile version for cell phones. In it, you fight as a soldier against others or in a virtual war against aliens at breakneck speed. The goal is to destroy the enemies by force of arms, i.e. to shoot them.
The player slips into the role of a soldier and finds himself in different, historical or invented war theaters. There he engages in constant gun battles with enemies, as many of whom as possible must be killed. Multiplayer mode is played on the network against and with other people.
Since 2003 there has been a new part of the game series almost every year. There are more and more functions or other worlds as time goes on. However, the games do not build on each other. The most popular games in the series include “Black Ops”, “Ghosts” and “Modern Warfare”.
The fascination – regardless of whether the gamer is a teenager or an adult – is comparable to watching an action movie, except that the gamers themselves slip into the role of a soldier and fight against others. At the same time, the game looks very realistic and at the same time it is a simulation. This way of fighting is unimaginable for most gamers in reality.
Especially exciting are the challenges in the fight against others.
Young people – especially boys – are particularly attracted to games that are not yet designed for their age. They want to test themselves and try out or prove themselves to their peers by playing such games or pretending to do so. This does not always correspond to the truth!
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. Nevertheless, it is also played by under-18s. 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.
The victim’s perspective or the consequences for society of a war are not addressed at any point in the game. Nevertheless, it is not a realistic war simulation.
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. However, the age classification of the USK that applies in Germany is not taken into account.
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 can best assess whether he or she can distinguish virtual violence from real violence and whether the 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. A game that is not suitable for minors should not be played by significantly younger children. On sites like spielbar.de or NRW-Spieleratgeber you can also read pedagogical assessments of different games in German.
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. There may be videos about computer games – so-called Let’s Plays – that do not have a USK youth rating.
It’s not always true when kids tell you about friends who are supposedly allowed to play first-person shooters like Call of Duty. Exchange ideas with other parents about this. You must decide for yourself and your family what is best for them.
By the way, you can also lock Call of Duty via the family sharing feature or directly in the settings on your child’s smartphone, such as screen time on Apple devices.
