A commercial before a video, a bonus for watching an ad in the middle of a game or an interruption while streaming: advertising is part of everyday life for children and young people today. It is omnipresent and often integrated in such a way that it is barely noticeable.
Advertising on the Internet has been around for a long time. What has changed significantly is how it is integrated today. It no longer just appears alongside content, but directly within it. Children encounter advertising on different platforms at the same time, for example when watching videos, in apps, in games or on streaming services. Many services are free or cheaper because they are financed by advertising. Others offer paid, ad-free versions.
Important: This is about advertising that is displayed directly by platforms, apps or games themselves, not about advertising by influencers where people present products.
Videos on the Internet without advertising have become rare. Commercials run before and during videos, often several in a row or without a skip function. On platforms such as YouTube, these ads can appear several times in succession. There are also overlays in the image and references to paid, ad-free subscriptions.
It is often not clear to children where the actual content begins and where advertising ends. Advertising is often designed in a similar way to videos themselves, fast, colorful and entertaining. Many ads are personalized. They are based on what content has been viewed so far or what users are interested in. The basis for this includes cookies and user profiles that evaluate behavior.
Although special rules apply to content aimed at children, advertising is still displayed. Specially adapted content can therefore be useful for younger children.
Streaming services are also increasingly relying on advertising and, in addition to traditional subscriptions without advertising, are increasingly offering cheaper models with commercial breaks. These appear before or during a movie or series and are reminiscent of television. Here too, advertising can be personalized and based on previous usage data.
Advertising is particularly present in games and free apps. Here, it is often directly linked to usage: Anyone who watches an advertising video receives rewards such as coins, additional lives or new functions. This changes perception. Advertising is not only viewed, but actively used to progress in the game.
In addition, banners, pop-ups or notices about purchases appear within the app. These are often directly linked to the course of the game and can lead to quick spending. Children also encounter advertising in the browser, i.e. on websites, for example in the form of banners, pop-ups or videos that start automatically. These can appear while surfing and are not always easy to close or skip.
Ads also regularly appear in feeds and story areas on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. They often resemble normal posts, but come from accounts that you do not follow. They are often labeled with terms such as “Sponsored”, for example in the feed or between short videos. These notices are easy to miss, especially for children.
In addition, trends, hashtags and challenges are specifically used by companies to generate attention for products.
Children first have to learn to understand and categorize advertising. Digital advertising makes this even more difficult because it is adapted to media in terms of appearance and content, is very short and entertaining and is integrated directly into games, videos or feeds. There is often no clear distinction between content and advertising. Younger children in particular are therefore often unaware of advertising.
Advertising content is constantly present and often not clearly labeled. Content is interrupted or mixed with commercial elements. Reward systems can lead to children making targeted use of advertising without questioning its purpose. At the same time, direct links quickly lead to purchases within apps or games.
Then there is the use of data: many advertisements are based on information collected about the behavior of users. Not all content is age-appropriate, even if there are corresponding guidelines.
Accompany your child, especially during their first steps in digital media. Explain in concrete terms what advertising is, why it is displayed and how it can be recognized. Use examples from your child’s everyday life, for example when playing games or watching videos.
Talk about the fact that many offers have to earn money, either through advertising or subscriptions.
Check settings together and restrict personalized advertising (if possible), deactivate or protect in-app purchases and use age-appropriate profiles or offers. In most services, advertising cannot be switched off completely, often only individual preferences can be adjusted.
Technical measures can provide support, but are no substitute for guidance.
Your child will soon be holding their first smartphone in their hands – and with it many new opportunities, but also challenges. In the virtual parents’ evening, you will receive everyday tips on safe settings, protecting personal data and child-friendly apps. We will provide tips on media education and show you how you can empower your child to deal competently with contact risks, cost traps and the like. Find out how to help your child use digital media responsibly – for safe and positive smartphone use right from the start!
Take the opportunity to be there live and ask your questions to our experts – we will be on hand to exchange ideas and provide valuable inspiration for everyday family life!
Date: 05.05.2026 | Time: 5 to 6 pm
Procedure: (Media educational) input (approx. 30/40 minutes) and subsequent open exchange
Speakers: Sophia Mellitzer (JFF) and Martin Fischer (DKHW)
Moderation: FSM e.V.
Platform: The virtual parents’ evening is realized via the “Zoom” tool.
Privacy Notice: Zoom is a service of Zoom Video Communications Inc. which is based in the USA. We use Zoom via the German operator WTG. The WTG server is located in Europe. Furthermore, within the Zoom service we have chosen the configurations with the highest data and security protection.
Please also take note of our privacy policy.
Registration:
A cute photo of the family party in the WhatsApp status or on platforms such as Instagram is a matter of course for many. For parents, it can be uncomfortable when pictures of their own child are shared without consultation. This is not about forbidding others to do something, but about protecting your own child’s privacy.
Photos of children are personal data. Once shared online, they are almost impossible to control or delete completely. Images can be saved, distributed via screenshots or simply forwarded. You often don’t realize this. The more people can see a photo, for example via status functions or public profiles, the greater the risk of it being passed on. Children’s pictures can be misused or forwarded.
Children have a right to privacy and to have a say in what is shown of them. They also have a right to their own image, which is why photos should not be shared without consent. At the same time, they are often not yet able to assess the consequences. Every time a photo is shared, a digital image of your child is created that they can no longer control themselves. It becomes particularly sensitive when photos are published together with names, place of residence or other personal information. If other children can be seen in the photo, parental consent should also be obtained. Many relatives or acquaintances mean well. They want to share beautiful moments or express their joy. This is precisely why respectful treatment is important.
Many conflicts can be avoided if expectations are clarified at an early stage:
It is important that your attitude is understandable, without accusations.
Some react with surprise or feel criticized. It helps to calmly explain why the topic is important to you:
A change of perspective can help. Would you want such photos of yourself to be seen on the Internet?
Despite agreements, it can happen that photos are shared. It then makes sense to react promptly:
In many cases, the problem can be resolved in a personal conversation.
The older children get, the more important their own opinion is. Ask your child whether they agree with a photo. From primary school age, many children are already able to decide whether a picture of them can be shared. This teaches your child to think about their own privacy and set boundaries.
Also pay attention to your own behavior. Ask your child and other parents before you share photos. This will show you what respectful behavior can look like.
If agreements are repeatedly ignored or conflicts arise, remain calm and clear in your stance. Raise the issue again and look for solutions together. In some cases, it makes sense to bring in outside support to clarify the situation.
Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask your personal questions about your child’s media use directly and conveniently using the messenger service via WhatsApp or Threema. You can find more information here.
In the two game apps The Unstoppables 1 and 2, children accompany a group of friends on a joint mission. They solve tasks, work together and experience how differences become shared strength. It can be particularly exciting for children to control heroes with disabilities themselves – characters that are otherwise rarely the focus of games.
The Unstoppables is about Melissa, Achim, Jan, Mai and the dog Tofu. In both games, Melissa’s companion dog Tofu disappears – and the friends have to find him again together. Each character has their own strengths: Mai is good at jumping, Achim is fast in his wheelchair, Jan is strong and Melissa can reach higher things with her cane. In the second part, Rina is another character with a variety of talents. Only when the players combine their abilities can they overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. Both games are designed as an adventure and point-and-click app and are easy to use.
The game makes the challenges faced by people with disabilities visible. For example, children experience what happens when Achim in his wheelchair hits a gravel path and can’t get any further. The playful solutions to such situations encourage reflection and promote understanding and empathy. Crossing traffic lights, overcoming stairs, deciphering clues – children also learn how cooperation and community work in The Unstoppables. They puzzle together with their group of friends, solve tasks and think about who can best help and how. This is what makes the games exciting: each character can do something different and becomes important at certain points. This can encourage and show children: Diversity doesn’t get in the way here, it contributes to success!
The detective story and puzzles are fun for children and encourage logical and strategic thinking. The comic style, easy controls and exciting atmosphere are well received by children from late primary school age.
Despite many strengths, it is also worth taking a critical look: Some disabilities are strongly linked to special abilities in the game, which can have a simplistic effect. Barriers are also sometimes solved in such a way that individuals have to help rather than making the environment barrier-free. This can be a good opportunity for parents to talk to children about realistic and inclusive solutions in everyday life.
The games were developed by the Swiss Foundation for Children with Cerebral Palsy as part of the “Principle of Diversity” learning program. The aim of the offer is to sensitize children and young people to topics such as being the same, being different, diversity, strengths, weaknesses and barriers in everyday life. The games are explicitly not just for entertainment, but are part of an educational concept that aims to teach inclusion in a child-friendly and playful way.
Both apps require reading skills. Accompany your child for a while when playing, especially at the beginning. Support them with questions about the controls or the story.
Your child can easily lose track of time when solving tricky tasks. Agree clear arrangements together, such as a fixed screen time.
The Unstoppables offers many opportunities for conversations: about disability, about obstacles in everyday life and about what good cooperation can look like. Remain open to your child’s questions. If you don’t know something, you can research it together. This makes the game apps a good conversation starter about inclusion, diversity and consideration.
“A real man doesn’t show any feelings” or “Women only want successful men” – when scrolling through TikTok, YouTube or Instagram, young people come across many ideas about how men or women are supposed to be. Some videos look like harmless dating tips, fitness motivation or lifestyle content. However, they may be based on extreme or oversimplified role models.
A lot of content about relationships, dating or “real masculinity” is circulating on social media. Some creators convey clear rules about how men or women should supposedly be or behave. These are often about success, dominance, attractiveness or traditional roles in relationships. Some of these role models are also used by extremist groups to appeal to young people online.
The term “manosphere” keeps cropping up in this context. This refers to a loose network of online communities that deal with masculinity, relationships and gender roles. The content can be found on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit or in podcasts.
Many posts initially seem like advice for young men: they should become more self-confident and muscular, earn more money or be more successful in dating. In some communities, however, oversimplified or misogynistic ideas are spread. For example, it is claimed that men are disadvantaged by equality or that they have to be dominant in relationships.
In addition to content like this, there are also trends that show very traditional female roles. In the so-called tradwife trend, influencers present a life as a “traditional wife” who mainly takes care of the household, family and her partner. The videos often appear aesthetic and deliberately staged.
Much of this content is not overtly extremist. Problematic messages about gender roles are often conveyed indirectly or linked to humor, lifestyle or motivation.
Young people deal intensively with questions about identity, relationships and their place in the world. Content about role models can therefore have a major impact.
Some aspects may appeal particularly to young people:
The Tradwife trend can also appeal to young people because it shows a seemingly harmonious life model. Conflicts or inequalities usually remain invisible in such videos. In addition, social platforms often suggest other similar content. This can give the impression that many people think this way.
Some of these videos or posts may contain problematic messages or reinforce extreme role models.
Social network algorithms can also contribute to young people seeing similar content more and more frequently, resulting in a one-sided view of the world.
Young people often come across such content by chance. This makes it all the more important to monitor their media use.
An open conversation about relationships, equality and what young people see on social media can help to critically classify extreme messages.
Events such as wars, natural disasters or political conflicts often dominate news coverage for days on end. Children hear about these topics – through conversations at home, at school or on the internet. However, much of the information is difficult to understand or frightening. How can children be introduced to news in an age-appropriate way?
Children should learn to understand the world. However, many news formats for adults are too complex or show images of violence or disasters that can overwhelm children. What’s more, false reports and highly simplified or distorted representations spread quickly on the internet. Information can be shared via social media or messengers in particular without being classified. It is often difficult for children to recognize whether a message is really true.
Age-appropriate guidance is therefore important. Parents can help to classify what they have seen – and select suitable, safe offers.
When it comes to stressful topics such as war or armed conflicts, children need special support and a good understanding from adults.
There are various news services on the Internet especially for children. They use simple language, clear explanations and do not use particularly distressing images.
Recommended offers:
The children’s search engine fragFINN.de helps to find trustworthy children’s offers on the Internet. The search results are editorially checked and filtered according to age.
Some children prefer listening to the news to watching it. Podcasts can be a good alternative. Especially when images of crises or disasters could be stressful.
Recommended podcasts:
Young people often find information via social networks. News appears there in the feed between entertainment videos, memes or posts by influencers. As a result, it is not always immediately clear whether information comes from a journalistic editorial team or is merely a personal opinion.
Reputable offers therefore try to reach young people directly on the platforms they use anyway.
Examples:
Even child-friendly news can be unsettling. Some children react curiously, others quickly become worried. It is not only the media on offer that is decisive, but also the guidance provided by adults.
News about war, violence and armed conflicts shake us all. What adults often find hard to comprehend is usually even harder for children to understand. Keeping children away from the latest news is almost impossible. This makes it all the more important to accompany children and give them security. We provide suggestions for dealing with stressful news and present media formats suitable for children on this topic.
Children often get more than adults think. It is therefore important to take their questions seriously and respond to their feelings. If children can talk about their worries, it helps them to process the experience better. Comfort your child and show them closeness, for example by giving them a hug – this provides security in difficult moments.
Younger children process things that occupy them in play or by drawing a picture. If your child doesn’t do it on their own, you can encourage them to do it and join in. Expressing yourself in pictures or text can also be a great way for older children and teens. But conversations and concrete information are also important for them. Show your child age-appropriate offerings and alert him or her to possible misinformation. Encourage your child to show you if they are sent scary pictures and videos via social media or Messenger and talk to them about it.
When children hear news about war, it can make them feel insecure. Younger children especially need the reassuring message that they are safe and that adults care about their protection. Explain to your child that the war is far away and that many people and organizations are working to create peace. Show your child that they are not completely helpless, but that there are ways to do something good. Think together about how you can help, for example by organizing a fundraising campaign or taking part in a peace project at school or in the neighbourhood. This will show your child that you don’t just have to be afraid in difficult situations, but that you can contribute something yourself.
Even as an adult, you have the right to be overwhelmed with the situation and the news. You do not have to be able to answer all the questions. Be honest with your child and show your ignorance or feelings in connection with the events in war zones. It is important that you do not avoid the topic.
In our article “News for children and young people” you will find tips on how to deal with news in general and links to age-appropriate offers.
We recommend the following formats for parents and children on the subject of armed conflicts and war:
Even if stressful news is unsettling, you can give your child security and guidance with attention, closeness, open conversations and access to age-appropriate news formats.
Sometimes you open an app and have the feeling that it knows more about you than you do. Algorithmic recommendation systems that sort, weight and prioritize content according to certain criteria are responsible for this. They determine which content is preferentially displayed to users, including children and young people. It is important for parents to understand how these systems work and what effects they can have.
Algorithms decide how content is displayed in the personal feed and also suggest further content in the search area, for example. In social networks, such areas have names such as “For You”, “Feed” or “Discover”. The principle is always the same: content is not displayed randomly, but selected individually. Such recommendation mechanisms are not only found in social networks, but also in streaming services, video portals and online stores. The basis for this is primarily usage data. This includes viewed content, likes, comments, length of stay, search queries, device information and, in some cases, location data.
Algorithms prefer to show content that matches previous interests or triggers particularly strong reactions, for example through surprise or provocation. Platforms want to display relevant content and keep users there for as long as possible. For children, this means that if they like something or stay with it for a long time, they will see more of it. Other topics fade into the background.
Instagram ‘s standard feed has been sorted algorithmically since 2016. A learning system evaluates various factors and decides which posts appear relevant. Among other things, previous interactions, the relationship to other accounts and the type of content are taken into account. Since 2022, users have been able to switch between a chronological view (“Follow me” or “Favorites”) and the standard algorithmic feed via the menu at the top of the app. “Follow me” shows posts from all subscribed accounts in chronological order, “Favorites” only shows selected accounts chronologically. The selection only applies to the current session and must be reactivated if required.
The system is constantly adapting. The more your child – or you yourself – interacts with certain content, the more it shapes the feed. This creates a very personalized stream of messages that often feels right for your child, but can also become one-sided.
Spotify also works with personalized recommendations. Spotify creates a taste profile based on listening behavior. Songs listened to, playlists, repetitions, times of day and duration of use are taken into account. On this basis, individual suggestions such as personalized mixes or weekly recommendations are created.
The system also compares listening habits with those of other users. Your child will be recommended music that matches similar profiles. This can open up new things, but also reinforces existing preferences.
TikTok places particular emphasis on viewing time and interactions. After just a short time, the system recognizes which videos your child watches longer or repeatedly. These signals have more influence than likes or the number of followers.
One effect of this is that content from unknown accounts can also very quickly gain a wide reach. At the same time, the video stream can narrow considerably if a topic is viewed particularly often. Sensitive or problematic content can also appear more frequently.
According to the Digital Services Act (DSA), very large platforms in the EU must explain more transparently how their recommendation systems work and, in some cases, offer non-personalized content display. These options are available, but are often not easy to find.
Your child should know that recommendations are technically controlled and not random. Discussions about algorithms help to better categorize content:
It is often difficult for children – and often for adults too – to understand why an app seems to understand them so well. This makes it all the more important to promote media literacy. This also includes talking about the fascination of social media and how technology draws attention. Trying things out together, such as resetting histories or adjusting settings, can lead to helpful “aha” moments.
It is actually forbidden – and yet it is surprisingly present: there is a drug scene on TikTok, in which some very young users are also active. Similar content can also be found on other social media platforms such as Facebook or in messengers such as WhatsApp and Telegram, but TikTok plays a particularly prominent role. This causes great concern among many parents, as such content can trivialize risks and convey misconceptions about drug use.
Illegal drugs find their way into the public domain via social media platforms such as TikTok. Under certain hashtags, there are videos of users talking about or hinting at their own drug use. These range from cannabis and mushrooms to MDMA, meth and heroin.
The substances are often not shown or named directly. Instead, the videos work with codes, slang terms, emojis or hints such as striking close-ups, over-excited behavior or extreme moods. In this way, the creators try to circumvent rules and still be understood.
Such content is prohibited under the German regulations for the protection of minors in the media as well as under the community rules of the platforms. TikTok prohibits the depiction, advertising, possession and trafficking of drugs. Nevertheless, such videos appear time and again. Some come from children and young people themselves, who receive likes or approving comments.
In recent months, terms such as “Pinktok” or “Pingtok” have also emerged. These terms are used to describe videos in which drug use is trivialized or only hinted at. In some cases, there are references to procurement or sale in the comments. In some cases, young people make further appointments there or then switch to private chats or messengers. In this way, not only are drugs discussed, but access to them can also be facilitated.
The problem with this drug scene, which is often just a click away, is that the videos appear colorful, relaxed and entertaining. Music, insider jokes and the feeling of belonging appeal to young people in particular. Risks, health consequences or addiction hardly play a role.
This can give children and young people the wrong impression. Drug use appears to be harmless recreational fun. Children and young people in particular who are looking for recognition, belonging or orientation or who feel lonely can feel attracted to such content. This is reinforced by recommendation algorithms. Anyone who watches such videos for a longer period of time is often shown similar content again. This can make the topic more and more present.
According to the community guidelines, drug-related content is not permitted – neither consumption, glorification nor sale. TikTok blocks known hashtags, deletes posts or restricts accounts if violations are detected or reported. The provider states that a lot of problematic content is detected automatically.
In practice, however, gaps remain. New terms, codes or trends are not always recognized immediately. Particularly suggestive or ironically staged content is difficult for automatic systems to classify.
In addition, legal requirements have been tightened, for example by adapting the regulations for the protection of minors in Germany. At European level, the Digital Services Act obliges large platforms to analyze risks for children and young people and take countermeasures. These measures improve structures, but do not guarantee complete protection of individual feeds.
A trusting relationship is crucial for both media and drug use. Stay in contact with your child and show an interest in their media use. Ideally, you will notice early on if your child encounters irritating content or has questions.
If your child is younger, technical protection measures can also help, such as TikTok’s accompanied mode or parental control functions on the device. However, technical protection does not replace a conversation, but supports it.
If you have the impression that your child is changing, seems mentally stressed or has already had contact with problematic content, the following steps can help:
Lovely animations, child-friendly illustrations and interactive elements: there are a variety of educational and creative apps that have been specially developed for young children. They impart initial knowledge, promote basic skills such as understanding letters and quantities or encourage children to think with puzzles and small riddles. The playful design makes learning fun and an age-appropriate app can motivate children to try things out and express themselves creatively. We present apps that are particularly suitable for beginners – for two to five-year-olds, for example.
The app for the show with the elephant offers numerous games for drawing, puzzles, programming, avoiding obstacles, hiding and scratching out a treasure chest, in addition to programs and funny stories. The elephant alarm clock can be used to set the duration of the game.
Operating systems: iOS, Android, Amazon
Costs: free of charge
In the app for the children’s series, children can play with the Sandman and his friends, do puzzles, color pictures, dress up characters, record their own short stories and discover little adventures. The media library offers videos and audio stories from the Sandman’s world, including the daily bedtime episode, which can contribute to the evening routine.
Operating systems: iOS, Android
Costs: free of charge
Paint and compose – at the same time. Choose a motif and a color palette and you can paint colorful pictures and make music with colors and shapes. An overall picture is created from lines, waves and circles. The app promotes the perception of the connection between sound, color and form.
Operating system: iOS
Cost: 2,99 €
The app contains interactive rhymes based on the well-known picture books. The children accompany the little owl through several rhyming stories – for example, when she is looking for help with a bump on her head, can’t fall asleep at night or is preparing a birthday party with her friends.
Operating system: Android, iOS
Cost: €3.99 (Android), €4.99 (iOS)
A read-aloud story in rhyme about a snail in search of itself. She meets lots of animals on her journey. The calm and appealing design of the app stands out from many current apps.
Operating system: iOS
Cost: 1,99 €
The app gives an insight into everyday life at the fire department and shows typical operations in a playful way. Children learn how to behave correctly in the event of a fire. The self-explanatory and predominantly wordless tasks, which even young children can master, are particularly noteworthy.
Operating systems: iOS, Android
Costs: free of charge
Select vehicles, hear their names and discover their characteristics. There are three types of game to get to know the vehicles: a puzzle, a game of spin and a game of patience with different levels of difficulty. It should be emphasized that the app does not include a reward system.
Operating system: iOS
Cost: 1,99 €
Edurino is a digital play and learning system consisting of an app, haptic figures and an ergonomic triangular pen. With the help of animal figures, children can immerse themselves in different learning worlds, such as arithmetic, feelings or concentration. Operation is very intuitive, the tasks are designed to be playful and gradually increase in difficulty. Edurino can also be used offline. The range on offer is varied and educationally valuable – but that comes at a price. It’s worth taking a look at your local library to try it out. Edurino is officially recommended from the age of four, but depending on the child, it can be started a little earlier.
Operating systems: Android, iOS, Amazon
Cost: starter sets from €49.98, per figure €24.99
Children learn primarily through their own discovery and experimentation. Digital learning and creative offerings can usefully accompany this process and strengthen both cognitive and creative skills. It is crucial that an app suits your child’s individual stage of development – you are the best person to assess this.
At best, good children’s apps do not contain any advertising or in-app purchases. In this article, we describe what else makes a good app for children. For your search, we recommend the app tips from Stiftung Lesen, SIN – Studio im Netz or Spieleratgeber NRW. You don’t need a large number of apps for your child. It’s better to concentrate on a few high-quality apps that meet your child’s needs and interests.
That is important:
A class photo is shared in a chat, a selfie ends up on social media. For many children, this is completely normal. And then suddenly a picture appears that never existed: a naked picture, but it has been technically manipulated. These are known as deep nudes. This can be extremely distressing for those affected. Many parents are unaware of this technology and only realize late on how quickly children can be affected by it.
Deepnudes are artificially generated nude images. They are created from real photos with the help of artificial intelligence. The AI analyzes existing images, digitally removes clothing and adds body parts to create a realistic impression. The image is completely invented.
The term originally comes from a specific program, but now stands for numerous AI-based applications that offer similar functions. Such services are often easily accessible, sometimes free of charge and can be used anonymously. It is particularly problematic that publicly accessible photos from social networks are sufficient for this purpose. Those affected often only find out about it when the image has already been distributed. By then, the damage is often already done.
Many children and young people grow up with AI applications as a matter of course. Filters, image editing and chatbots are part of their everyday lives. Tools for creating deepnudes are therefore sometimes perceived as a technical experiment without realizing the extent of the problem.
There are also developmental factors. Puberty is all about testing boundaries, belonging and making an impression. Some young people want to provoke, others adapt to peer pressure. They often lack an eye for the other side. That behind every picture is a real person with real feelings.
What’s more, deepnudes are not only created and distributed among young people. Third-party adults also use such AI tools to manipulate images of children, young people or adults. This poses an additional risk for those affected, as there is also a power imbalance, anonymity and possible criminal intent.
What begins as a joke or a test of courage can become very stressful for those affected.
Deep nudes are not a harmless trend. They are a form of digital, sexualized violence.
The feeling of powerlessness weighs particularly heavily. Many of those affected don’t know who they can turn to. Or don’t dare to say anything.
In Germany, the situation is clear: creating, possessing or distributing sexualized images of minors is punishable in the vast majority of cases. It does not matter whether the images are real or – as with deepnudes – artificially created. Personal rights, the right to one’s own image and data protection can also be violated, regardless of the age of the person depicted.
The consequences are difficult for children and young people to assess. What happens digitally sometimes feels less serious. This makes it all the more important for adults to provide guidance and clearly state responsibility.
Parents can’t prevent everything. But they can do a lot. Not through control, but through relationships.
Start the conversation early: Talk to your child about image manipulation, AI and deepnudes before anything happens. In an age-appropriate and calm manner. Explain that images can be altered online and why this is problematic.
Promote empathy: A change of perspective helps. Ask your child how they would feel if someone created or shared such a picture of them. This is often where understanding arises.
Take a clear stance: Make it clear that creating or forwarding such images is not fun, but a violation of boundaries. At the same time, children should know that mistakes are not met with anger, but with support.
Assure them of your support: Your child should be sure that they can turn to you at any time. Even if they are ashamed or unsure.
Act in an emergency: If your child is affected, stay calm and take it seriously. Save evidence such as screenshots or chat histories and report it to the police. But be careful with sexualized images of children and young people: It is a criminal offense to possess these. The Internet Complaints Office has summarized information on how to deal with these so-called depictions of abuse online in this PDF. Support is available from advice and reporting centers such as the Sexual Abuse Helpline and the Nummer gegen Kummer.
The smartphone is at the ready, the console is running hot, videos or games don’t stop – many parents want more offline time for their child. This is not about banning or denigrating media. Digital media is a natural part of growing up today. A good balance between online and offline time in everyday life is crucial.
Children and young people need regular breaks without screens. Offline time allows for exercise, creative play, relaxation and real encounters with others. This strengthens imagination, concentration and independence and helps to reduce stress, even if children don’t always realize it themselves.
The older children get, the more important media use becomes for friendships and belonging. For young people in particular, the worry of missing out plays a major role. For some, media is even the most important way to stay in touch with friends or a community, for example when like-minded people don’t live in the immediate vicinity. It is then often difficult to switch off because chats, games or videos are socially important. This is where an open discussion about alternatives can help.
If media is available at all times, many children do not stop independently. This is why children need guidance and support, e.g. through fixed offline times or media-free places such as the dinner table and before bedtime. It is important not to use media time as a reward or punishment, as this can further increase its importance.
Strict prohibitions often lead to arguments or secret use. It is more effective to involve children and find solutions together.
Offline time works better when it feels good:
Technical settings can support without controlling. Set up screen time limits or break timers (e.g. in YouTube Kids) together. This makes the transition to offline playful and transparent.
Children closely observe how adults use media. Consciously put the smartphone away and share: “I’m taking a cell phone break now!” Commonrules such as “no cell phones at mealtimes” apply to everyone and are the most convincing.
Irritability or frustration when switching off is normal. Take feelings seriously: “What are you missing right now?” or “What is difficult without a screen?”. If conflicts persist or hobbies fade, take a closer look and get support (e.g. counseling).
Going to the movies for the first time is a big event for many children. Everything is new: the huge screen, the dark auditorium, lots of people and a movie that can’t simply be stopped. This is exciting for some children, but perhaps too much for others. With good preparation, going to the movies can still be a great experience.
Many children are ready for their first trip to the movies at around 5 or 6 years old. However, the age is less important than the maturity of your child. Can they sit still for a while? Can they cope well with tension? Are they not afraid of the dark or loud noises? Some children are not ready until later, and that’s perfectly fine.
In Germany, the Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry (FSK) assigns age ratings for movies. These indicate the age from which a movie is approved, but are not educational recommendations. A movie “from 6” can still be too exciting or too sad for sensitive children. You should therefore read the short content information and the respective brief explanations on the FSK website in advance and trust your instincts.
Especially the first time, children can be overwhelmed by the impressions:
If your child gets restless or wants to leave the movie theater, this is completely normal. You are welcome to meet this need of your child.
Many cinemas offer special children’s or family screenings. Some even have special offers for the first movie experience. These screenings are usually earlier in the day, shorter, quieter, with dimmed lights and adapted advertising. Children are often allowed to move around or even say something. This takes the pressure off and makes it easier to get started.
Prepare your child: Explain how movies work, that it gets dark and that the movie cannot be paused. It is also important to send a clear message: we can leave at any time if it gets too much. If necessary, sit at the edge of the auditorium.
After the movie, talk about what your child liked and what might have been scary. This will help you to classify the experience and lay a good foundation for the next visit to the cinema.
The first visit to the movie theater doesn’t have to be perfect. The important thing is that your child feels taken seriously and well accompanied.
Can’t find an answer to your question? Ask your personal questions about your child’s media use directly and conveniently using the messenger service via WhatsApp or Threema. You can find more information here.
Which learning platform or app is right for my child? And do they even need it at preschool age? Many parents are faced with precisely these questions. Websites and apps with learning opportunities can help children discover, practise and revise. However, they are no substitute for learning together, playing or exercise. The decisive factor is how and for what they are used. We present five popular offers in Germany and classify what parents should look out for.
Most of the services presented can be used both in the browser and as an app. The range of functions differs in some cases.
Sofatutor offers learning content from pre-school age to upper school. For younger children, there is Sofatutor Kids with learning games, short videos and exercises on numbers, colors, letters, first arithmetic problems and factual topics. The content is clearly structured and based on educational plans. Parents can create child profiles and view learning progress.
ANTON is one of the most popular learning apps for preschool and school and is often recommended or used by schools. In addition to the widely used app, learning can also take place online in the browser. Children practice math, German, general knowledge or music in short, manageable units. ANTON is ad-free and designed without time pressure.
Antolin is a digital reading promotion program that is mainly used in schools. Children read books offline and then answer questions about the content to collect points. The focus is clearly on reading motivation.
Duolingo teaches foreign languages in a fun way with short exercises, repetitions and rewards. Even children can learn their first words and simple sentences. Both the website and the app are colorful and motivating, but rely on regular use.
Scoyo is aimed at children from around 4 to 12 years of age. The learning platform offers exercises and learning games on German, math and specialist topics, sorted by age and grade level. Parents can create profiles and track learning progress.
Not every learning app or platform is suitable for every child. Age recommendations can be a guide, but say little about whether an offer really suits your own child. The decisive factors are interests, stage of development and individual learning speed. Some children love structured tasks, others learn better through free experimentation, movement or conversation. If an activity causes frustration or your child quickly loses interest, it is not (yet) the right choice. And that’s perfectly fine.
At pre-school age, the focus is not on practicing, but on playful discovery. Children gain their first experiences with numbers, letters or language and learn primarily through curiosity and repetition. Digital learning opportunities can provide stimuli here, but they should be entertaining and not create too much pressure. Supervision is important: talk to your child about what they are seeing and trying out.
When children start school, their needs change. Content now needs to be repeated and consolidated more frequently. Learning platforms and apps can help with this, for example with arithmetic, reading or learning vocabulary. They are well suited as a supplement, but not as a substitute for explanations, homework or joint discussions.
Regardless of age, learning platforms or apps are no substitute for reading aloud, free play or exercise. Make sure there is variety and agree clear times and breaks. Don’t ask your child about points or levels, but about what they have understood or newly discovered. In this way, learning remains positive and digital learning opportunities become what they can be: meaningful support in everyday family life.
Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube or TikTok – the internet is not a legal vacuum. Anyone who uses social networks or messengers should know the basic rules. This applies to adults as well as children and young people. As a parent, you can help your child to use photos, videos, texts and personal data responsibly. And also set a good example yourself.
From the very first steps online, it is important to introduce children to Instagram and how to handle personal data. Vivid comparisons help: Does your child not want personal details or secrets to be shared in class? The same applies online.
Advise your child to check whether the information is really necessary before sharing it. This includes name, telephone number, address, date of birth, photos, videos, messenger IDs, location data or passwords. Personal data of others may also only be shared with their consent.
Also take a look at app permissions together. Not every app needs access to location, contacts, microphone or camera. Check the settings when you first start the device and regularly after updates.
Parents should also reflect on their own online behavior. Sharing children’s photos or information (“sharenting”) can have long-term consequences, for example through AI-generated deepfakes. Children have a right to privacy, even from their parents.
On platforms such as YouTube, TikTok or Instagram, there is a lot of content that has been uploaded but not created by the user. This includes music, films, series, texts, images, graphics and computer games. These works are protected by copyright and may only be shared publicly with the consent of the copyright holder.
It becomes problematic, for example, if a dance video with a protected music title is uploaded or a picture of a well-known sportswoman is used as a profile picture. Screenshots, memes or short video clips can also be relevant under copyright law. Infringements can result in fines of up to 500,000 euros or account suspensions.
There is content with free licenses, for example under Creative Commons(CC) licenses, which may be used and shared depending on the license. The name, license link and changes must be specified. In addition, photos and videos are now often edited with filters or AI tools. Rights and personal rights remain intact; an image does not automatically become “free to use” just because it has been technically modified.
The right to one’s own image is part of personal rights and applies to all people, including children. Photos or videos may only be published or passed on if the person depicted has given their consent. In the case of underage children, the parents generally decide. However, as they get older, children should be involved in an age-appropriate manner and be able to participate in decision-making. This applies to public posts as well as messenger messages.
This is often underestimated, especially in class or group chats. Screenshots or forwarding without consent are legally problematic, even if they are only shared with friends. As children get older, they should decide for themselves what content to share. Agree clear rules with family and friends and check the privacy settings of the apps. Messengers are not a legal vacuum.
In recent years, platforms have been more heavily regulated, for example by the Digital Services Act (DSA, fully implemented since 2024) or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Providers must take risks for minors into account: no personalized advertising, age-appropriate algorithms, rapid reporting of harmful content and uniform complaints procedures.
Nevertheless, responsibility remains in everyday family life. Instagram, privacy settings and a conscious approach to content cannot be completely outsourced to platforms. Many conflicts do not arise from bad intentions, but from ignorance, peer pressure or insecurity.
