Elternguide Logo

Which games are suitable for my child? Making the right decision with educational recommendations

Immerse yourself in game worlds, experience exciting adventures with your own avatar and compete with other players – many children and young people are fascinated by games. As a parent, you should give your child access to age-appropriate content. Online games in particular, with their opportunities for interaction and incentives to buy, present young players with challenges. But how do you keep track of the gaming market and find suitable games for your child?

Educational age recommendations, independent game reviews and media awards can help you make informed decisions and select suitable content together with your child. In this article, we present some of the options.

Spieleratgeber NRW – the portal for computer games

The NRW games guide is a media education service from the Fachstelle für Jugendmedienkultur NRW, which supports parents with media education. The platform offers extensive information on over 2000 games. The games are tested by young people and given an educational age recommendation by experts. Parents can use filter functions to find suitable games for their children by genre, platform and age. The game descriptions and video clips provide insights into the content, risks and opportunities of the games and use additional descriptions to highlight the characteristics and skills that the game promotes (e.g. reading skills, frustration tolerance and logic).

More info: https://www.elternguide.online/spieleratgeber-nrw/

Playable – Games reviews for older children

Spielbar.de is a service provided by the Federal Agency for Civic Education. The platform offers parents and children and young people aged 10 and over an independent, educational guide to digital games. Popular games are explained and pedagogically evaluated on spielbar.de. Aspects such as learning objectives and risks such as violent content are taken into account. In addition to the game ratings, parents will find a guide with answers to questions about game selection, playing times and problematic gaming behavior. The service is also aimed directly at young people who are looking for suitable game recommendations and information.

More info: https://www.elternguide.online/spielbar-infos-rund-um-beliebte-videospiele/

Internet-abc.de – Games tips for children

Whether for computer, tablet, smartphone or console – internet-abc.de offers a collection of over 1000 games for children up to the age of 12. The Internet ABC experts award points for fun, operation and technical quality and make an age assessment. Children and parents can use the search mask to filter the games by game type, game device and age group. Each recommendation offers facts and pictures about the game as well as a summary of the content. Children can rate the games with stars and leave comments.

More info: https://www.internet-abc.de/kinder/spiel-spass/spieletipps/

Educational media prize – educationally valuable apps and games

Anyone looking for high-quality and child-friendly digital content will find what they are looking for at the Educational Media Prize of the media education association SIN – Studio im Netz. Every year, a jury of children, young people and experts awards prizes to digital media offerings such as apps, games and websites that are particularly recommended for young people. The award-winning digital offerings are free of problematic content such as excessive violence. The focus is on media that not only entertain, but also convey educationally valuable content.

More info: https://www.paedagogischer-medienpreis.de

Educational games – Learning with games

The website of the Digital Games Culture Foundation offers parents a collection of recommended games. The selection includes both serious games that specifically impart knowledge and commercial entertainment games with educational added value. The collection also includes programs that encourage children and young people to get creative and develop their own games. The offers can be filtered according to age groups, platforms and topics. For each game there is an educational classification according to time required, complexity, game content, opportunities and possible risks.

More info: https://www.stiftung-digitale-spielekultur.de/paedagogische-spiele/

TOMMI – Children’s Software Award

Every year, the TOMMI Children’s Software Award recognizes particularly recommendable digital games and educational products for children. First, an expert jury reviews the nominated media products. Children’s juries then test and evaluate the games, apps and programs in 50 libraries in German-speaking countries. The TOMMI is published by the FEIBEL.DE office for children’s media in Berlin. Parents benefit from the independent assessments, as the award highlights games that are suitable for children and offer both fun and educational added value. The award ceremony takes place every year in the Timster program on KiKa program.

More info: https://tommi.kids/kindersoftwarepreis/

Gaming without limits – recommendations for accessible games

The Gaming without Borders project tests digital games for accessibility and supports game developers in designing inclusive games. Young people with and without disabilities test the games and rate them in the categories of seeing, hearing, understanding and controlling. The service shows how digital games can be made accessible for everyone. The ComputerProjekt Köln e.V. is the specialist center for youth media culture in NRW. Parents can find valuable information here on how to select accessible games for their children in order to give them an unrestricted gaming experience.

More info: https://www.gaming-ohne-grenzen.de/

What parents should pay attention

Beware of the risk of confusion! Distinguish between educational recommendations and age ratings in accordance with the German Youth Protection Act. Age ratings such as those issued by the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body(USK) are intended to protect children and young people from developmentally harmful content and interaction risks. They are not a recommendation and can say little about whether your child can handle the content well.

Educational recommendations assess whether a game is understandable, interesting and development-promoting for a certain age group in terms of content and emotion. They show how a medium can accompany, support or positively stimulate children and young people in their development.

Every child develops differently. Therefore, don’t just rely on recommendations, but actively accompany your child in their media use right from the start. Observe your child to understand how they react to different content. It is best to play together with your child or try out the game yourself beforehand. You can find more information on the topic of games in the family, for example which media rules are important, in this parents’ guide article: https://www.elternguide.online/games-games-games/

Deep fakes – deceptively genuine counterfeits

The Internet is full of photos and videos. Images are often seen as proof of the truth of a report. However, photos and videos can also be manipulated or even faked. Deep fakes are just such counterfeits. They lead to the fact that disinformation can be spread even better, because they look very convincing.

What is it all about?

Thanks to artificial intelligence, sound or video recordings can be falsified or even completely recreated. Developers of deep fakes can, for example, put any statement in a person’s mouth or make them do things that they did not do in real life. The software analyzes recordings of a person and “learns” their facial expressions and gestures. After that, any sentences can be spoken and the recording manipulated to make it look as if the person said it themselves.

The three most common forms of deep fakes:

  • Face swapping: Here, a person’s face is placed on another body.
  • Voice cloning: Here, words are put into a person’s mouth.
  • Body Puppetry: Here, a person’s body movements are digitally imitated.

Such software can now be downloaded free of charge from the Internet. There are even relatively easy-to-use apps so that almost anyone can create and distribute deep fakes. As technology is constantly improving, counterfeits are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.

What fascinates young people about it?

Many young people encounter deep fakes in the form of humorous clips or parodies. If they fall for funny deep fakes, this is harmless in many cases. If the trick is explained afterwards, as in the video by a famous German YouTuber, it can even be an educational experience.

It becomes problematic when young people allow themselves to be manipulated by deep fakes or are targeted themselves. In other words, when a deep fake is created that exposes them. This can put a heavy burden on those affected and lead to serious consequences.

What can be problematic?

Fake videos are dangerous because they look so convincing. Children and young people in particular must first learn to question content critically.

  • Disinformation: Fake videos can be used to spread fake news and influence (political) opinions. They can spread hatred and incitement.
  • Damage to reputation: Individuals can become involved in scandals through manipulated content. This can affect members of the public as well as private individuals.
  • Extortion and fraud: Real-time deep fakes allow fraudsters to pretend to be someone else in video conferences or phone calls in order to steal money or sensitive information.

Although the use of third-party images is generally regulated by the right to one’s own image, deep fakes have long been a legal gray area. The Federal Council has been dealing with the issue since July 2024. The new law on the “violation of personal rights through digital falsification” provides for penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, and up to five years in serious cases. The German government is also planning programs to improve the detection and regulation of deep fakes.

What parents should pay attention

Deep fakes are a rapidly growing phenomenon. While it’s not always easy to understand the technical details, it’s important that you talk to your child about these issues. Here are a few tips:

  • Open conversation: Show an interest in your child’s media consumption and create an atmosphere of trust so that they can turn to you if they have problems.
  • Responsible use: If your child wants to try out deep-fake apps, explain the ethical boundaries to them and discuss the legal consequences.
  • Critical handling: Show your child how to check whether it is a deep fake. Offer assistance with this:

Too old for children’s sites – too young for adult offerings

Too old for the children’s program, but still too young for the social media world? There is a time when your child doesn’t really know his place. It’s somewhere between childhood and adolescence. This affects many of the so-called “pre-teens”, the approximately 9-12 year olds. They are in a transition phase, which is also reflected in their media usage.

For younger children, there are many age-appropriate offerings such as children’s apps, radio plays and children’s programs. As children get older, they are often no longer so interested in these – and turn directly to the adult world of media. The jump is quite big and the offer can still partly overwhelm your child.

An important developmental phase for your child

At the onset of puberty, your child is on the cusp of becoming an adolescent. In some things it still behaves childlike, in others it already wants to separate itself from you. It is increasingly oriented to elders and to people, trends and ideas outside the family. As a result, there is less and less interest in children’s media.

During this phase, many children get their first smartphone and immerse themselves more and more independently in the world of online media. They have their first experiences in online games and on social media platforms. They follow stars such as influencers and streamers, interact with other users and develop their own identity. Pre-teens often lack an understanding of how to handle their own data or challenges such as communication risks online.

What you should pay attention to as a parent

Whether your child still wants to watch children’s programs or is already interested in computer games, social media or TV shows for older children – support your child according to their stage of development and give them the time they need.

Gradually, you should relinquish control and support your child in being able to use media independently, safely and responsibly. Although your child has already gained some experience, he or she will still approach many things with an open mind, which means that they can easily come into contact with content that is harmful to minors online. Your child’s curiosity and desire to increasingly set themselves apart from adults will also lead them to seek out provocative content. Nevertheless, as parents, you still have an important role to play in providing guidance during the transition phase. Always talk to your child and ask about their media experiences.

Offers for the transition phase

Finding offers for pre-teens is not that easy and not every child will be interested. For computer games and films, there are age ratings from the Voluntary Self-Regulation Body. They indicate whether the content is unproblematic for development from a certain age. If you take a closer look, there are media offerings tailored to children in the transition phase both in traditional media and online.

Here are a few recommendations:

  • Films, series and video clips: Our article on educational film recommendations presents various film portals. One example is Flimmothe program guide for parents. Here you will also find educational assessments of popular channels on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
  • Games: The NRW games guide has taken a close look at many computer games and game apps and rated them pedagogically. You can search for suitable games for your child here.
  • Podcasts: Whether audio stories or cultural talk – podcasts are very much in vogue. In two articles, we present recommended podcasts for children and young people.
  • Search engines: In the article Search engines for children and young people, we present children’s search engines such as fragFINN for example. We explain how children can use adult search engines safely with the help of parental control filters.
  • Info platforms: Hanisauland actively and playfully introduces children and young people to politics. Handysektor deals with young people’s media issues and addresses them directly in clips and articles. Juuuport informs young users about online risks and offers free digital advice.
  • Online communities: Knipsclub is a photo community that offers a safe introduction to the world of social media. On kindersache registered users can contribute their own videos, jokes and stories.

You should also allow your child to take advantage of offerings that are not specifically for children. Find out about programs and content in advance. When you watch a movie, play a game or surf the Internet together as a family, your child has the opportunity to ask questions and you can see how he or she copes with certain content.

Virtual parents’ evening on 13.02.2025 from 5 to 6 pm

Insulting, exposing, threatening — How you can educate children about cyberbullying in an age-appropriate way and protect them (held in German)

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.

Information and registration

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.

Registration:

    Hiermit melde ich mich zum virtuellen Elternabend von Elternguide.online am 13.02.2025 um 17.00 Uhr verbindlich an.

    * = Pflichtangabe
    Die erhobenen Daten dienen ausschließlich der Verarbeitung Ihrer Anfrage und werden nicht an Dritte weitergegeben. Die Daten werden nach Abschluss der Bearbeitung und Durchführung des Webinars gelöscht. Mit dem Absenden der Nachricht willigen Sie in die diesbezügliche Datenverarbeitung ein.
    Bitte nehmen Sie auch von unserer Datenschutzerklärung Kenntnis.

    Media literacy – what does that actually mean?

    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?

    What does media literacy involve?

    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:

    • Conscious use of media content: Media literacy means choosing which content to use. This means, for example, searching for specific information and being able to distinguish between credible sources and fake news. It also means avoiding content that could be harmful. Or consciously deciding how much time you want to spend with media in order to avoid stress.
    • Navigate and communicate safely: To use media safely, it is important to know the rules, prohibitions and dangers. Anyone who is active on social networks must know how to treat others with consideration, must protect and respect their own and others’ data and privacy – and should be able to assess and avoid scams such as phishing or data theft, as well as behavior such as cyberbullying.
    • Active and creative media use: Competent media use also means using media actively and creatively instead of just passively consuming content. This means, for example, researching, learning new things and using media at school, at work or privately. It means using new technologies such as AI-based services where they help – but also knowing their limits. And it means using media for enriching experiences.

    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.

    Why is media literacy important?

    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 – a task for all generations

    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.

    Popular games: Minecraft

    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.

    In a nutshell:

    • Open-world game in which raw materials have to be collected in order to build your own world
    • Age rating: released from 6 years(USK), recommended from 6 years(Spieleratgeber NRW)
    • available online or offline
    • Minecraft is available for the computer (from €29.99), for the Playstation, Xbox and Switch consoles (from €19.99), as an app for iOS and Android (from €6.99)

    What is Minecraft?

    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.

    What fascinates children and young people about Minecraft?

    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.

    What can be problematic about Minecraft?

    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.

    What does the provider say?

    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.

    What should parents pay attention to?

    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.

    Media tips around Christmas

    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.

    Using media to combat boredom

    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!

    (Media) challenges in the family

    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.

    Finding child-friendly answers to questions about Christmas

    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.

    Christmas movie tips from FLIMMO

    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.

    A smartphone under the Christmas tree – a good idea?

    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.

    Using media safely – with the help of technical youth media protection

    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.

    Smart gift giving – tips for games under the Christmas tree

    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!

    Getting creative with AI – tools for children and young people

    Whether chatbots like My AI or digital assistants like AlexaArtificial 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.

    Generate artworks with Leonardo.AI

    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/

    Prompt: Van Gogh painting with butterfly. Leonardo.AI

    Producing music with Suno

    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/

    Create coloring pages with ChatGPT

    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/

    Prompt: Create a blank coloring picture for children with a dog in the park in black and white. ChatGPT

    Design comics with Canva

    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:

    • Your child thinks about a story and writes it down on a piece of paper.
    • Now your child enters “comic template” in the search field under “Design” à “Templates” and receives a large selection of blank comic pages.
    • To fill the pages, your child needs image material. They can either upload their own photos, select content from the Canva database or generate images with the help of artificial intelligence. A large selection of different AI tools is available under “Apps” à “AI-supported”. AI can also assist with image editing and remove the background from photos, for example.
    • Using the text function, your child can add writing and complete the comic with speech bubbles, graphics or stickers under “Elements”.

    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

    This is what parents should pay attention to

    If your child wants to use creative AI tools, you as a parent should pay attention to the following points:

    • Dangerous content on the internetExplain to your child that AI tools have also been trained with content that may not be age-appropriate. If your child is younger, use AI tools together for the time being and then set clear rules and limits for their use together.
    • Protecting privacy: Your child should not enter or upload any personal data or photos. Explain to them how they can protect their privacy online.
    • Sustainability: Draw attention to the high energy consumption of AI programs, use prompts selectively and sparingly and thus promote conscious use.
    • Error: The person in the photo has six fingers and the dog only has three legs? AI systems work with large amounts of data, but they can make mistakes. It is therefore important to check the results carefully and adjust them yourself if necessary.
    • Diversity and stereotypes: AI systems are created by humans and reproduce stereotypes. Address the fact that AI systems often create stereotypical or discriminatory representations and encourage diversity in your child’s use of media.
    • Cost trap: Many AI tools are initially free of charge, but entice users with extended, chargeable offers. Make your child aware of hidden fees or in-app purchases and do not store any means of payment in the app stores or in the program itself.

    Introducing: The KiKA children’s media website – videos, games and do-it-yourself ideas

    On the website of the public children’s media service KiKA, children can find lots of videos of their favorite series and films. There are also games, craft ideas and do-it-yourself experiments.

    In a nutshell:

    • Website of the ARD and ZDF public service children’s media offerings
    • Videos, games and do-it-yourself ideas
    • Age-appropriate content without advertising
    • Find help at KUMMERKASTEN

    What is KiKA?

    KiKA is the children’s channel of ARD and ZDF. On the website, you can watch documentaries, reports, news, animated and real series, films and shows from the children’s media range or follow the live program.
    Online, however, there is more to discover on KiKA than the popular children’s series and formats. Various online games such as picture puzzles, games of skill or adventure and quiz games offer further entertainment. In the do-it-yourself section, children can find coloring pictures, craft ideas, recipes and experiments to get creative and active at home.

    The KUMMERKASTEN also offers children the opportunity to find out about topics such as feelings, friendships and family, as well as problems such as cyberbullying or school stress in short videos. The KUMMERKASTEN primarily deals with challenges and problems during puberty and aims to provide support for adolescents.
    Children can also contact the KUMMERKASTEN team at Diakonie if they have any problems or concerns: At Ask Sabine! children can find out how this works and can use a link to go directly to the advice page for children and young people of the Diakonisches Werk Berlin-Brandenburg-schlesische Oberlausitz e. V., with which KiKA and KUMMERKASTEN cooperate. Children and young people can get advice here via chat or email. Other offers of help such as the Nummer gegen Kummer, which offers telephone counseling, are also presented.

    What should parents pay attention to?

    KiKA offers content for children between the ages of 3 and 13. However, not all content is recommended for the youngest children. Some content, for example the news program logo!, is only recommended from the age of 9. But even if there are suitable age recommendations, the following applies: watch the content together with your child and observe how your child reacts to the content. In a separate section for parents, educators can find information about the content and age recommendations for the respective programs. There you will also find additional material for the programs, such as colouring pictures or craft instructions for children. Also agree on times and duration of media use together. Media rituals in the family or a joint media usage contract can be helpful here.

    This article is part of the “Parents’ tips on children’s participation platforms” project, which is part of the “Child-friendly digital services and orientation measures” program of the Federal Agency for Child and Youth Protection in the Media (BzKJ) and realised by JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.).

    Introducing: Kritzel Klub – Drawing and painting online

    The Kritzel Klub website is all about painting, drawing and creative experimentation. Children can get started directly on the virtual white paper and discover numerous tools without having to register.

    In a nutshell:

    • Website for children aged 6 and over
    • Various digital pens, brushes and tools for online doodling
    • Explanatory videos on painting and drawing

    What is kritzel-klub.de?

    At kritzel-klub.de, children can try out various digital pens, brushes and tools and create pictures online without much preparation. The website is designed with the help of symbols so that even children who are not yet able to read well can find their way around and start drawing straight away.
    Various methods are also available to stimulate creative painting and drawing processes. For example, children can try out painting according to sounds or words or add their own drawings to pictures. Various drawing and painting techniques are also explained in four film clips. Children can then try out what they have learned by drawing with pen and paper.
    The artworks can then be saved and printed out.

    What should parents pay attention to?

    At Kritzel Klub, even younger children can easily get creative online and try out how to use digital devices at the same time. While creating and designing online, it’s easy to forget the time. Think about this together with your child: How would you like to organize media use in the family, how much screen time is ok? At the same time, your child may also be unhappy if something doesn’t work or look the way you want it to. Accompany your child in their use or create a digital work of art together.

    This article is part of the “Parents’ tips on children’s participation platforms” project, which is part of the “Child-friendly digital services and orientation measures” program of the Federal Agency for Child and Youth Protection in the Media (BzKJ) and realised by JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.).

    Introducing: AUDIYOUkids – Stories to listen to and join in

    Solve audio puzzles, set a story to music yourself or put together a radio play – it’s all possible on AUDIYOUkids! Children will find lots of stories to listen to and join in with, e.g. an audio walk or a karaoke game. Parents will find instructions and tips to make sure everything goes well.

    In a nutshell:

    • Radio plays to join in
    • Instructions and exercises for producing your own radio plays
    • Free and ad-free use

    What is AUDIYOUkids?

    AUDIYOUkids invites children into a world of sounds and listening. The website is divided into four different areas. On the “audio walk”, children can choose between different worlds such as “Coast” or “Haunted castle” and discover the places with their ears. They choose the route themselves with the help of sounds, can follow it with puzzle cards to print out and see whether they have discovered all the sounds.
    With “Cartoons”, children can help a magician perform magic. The result can be saved and downloaded with microphone access. With the help of parents, even kindergarten children can try their hand here.
    In the “Karaoke” section, children can take part in the production of a radio play and play a role. This also requires a computer with a microphone, otherwise the text passages can only be spoken but not recorded. The results can also be downloaded at the end.
    AUDIYOUkids states on its website that the data is strictly protected in terms of data protection and will not be made accessible to others. Registration is not necessary.

    The “Cartoon” and “Karaoke” sections are also suitable for younger primary school children with supervision, while the “Your audio projects” section is more complex but all the more creative. Here, children will find a child-friendly introduction to producing their own radio plays. In addition to a computer and microphone, a program for editing audio tracks is a technical requirement. The website recommends the free Audacity program to set up a small, functioning recording studio on your own computer. There is an introduction to radio play production and the Audacity program, and further playful exercises prepare children for producing their own radio play. The materials are recommended on the website for children from 4th grade upwards. Some of the radio plays are only suitable for children from Year 5 upwards. To create your own audio projects, you do not need Internet access after downloading the desired materials.

    What should parents pay attention to?

    AUDIYOUkids offers children the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of audio drama and become creative in the process. When creating their own audio projects, primary school children in particular need support at first, such as setting up the Audacity program and understanding its functions. Therefore, accompany younger children in particular when using the website. Creating your own small audio projects can also be a great way to get creative together with your child. If sounds and music are needed for your own radio play, you can browse AUDIYOU with your child for noises and sounds.

    When producing your own audio projects, it’s easy to forget the time, so make sure you have a screen-free balance and exercise.

    This article is part of the “Parents’ tips on children’s participation platforms” project, which is part of the “Child-friendly digital services and orientation measures” program of the Federal Agency for Child and Youth Protection in the Media (BzKJ) and realised by JFF – Institute for Media Education in Research and Practice and the German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.).

    Face filters – from funny bunny ears to distorted self-perception

    Whether it’s a vacation by the sea, a birthday party with friends or cocoa in the morning – taking selfies and uploading them to Instagram, WhatsApp or Snapchat is a matter of course for many of us. Children and young people also want to share pictures of themselves and their experiences with others – and preferably in the best possible light. In the past, only professionals could edit photos to make a face look “perfect”. Today, this is very easy with apps and their image editing options, such as face filters.

    What are Face Filters?

    On Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat users can take photos directly in the app and select a filter beforehand. Filters are placed virtually over the photo or video taken. This makes it quick and easy to integrate funny elements such as elf ears, beards or butterflies into the photo or video. In addition to fun filters, so-called gender swap filters and beauty filters are very popular.

    Gender swap filters make it possible to convert female into male and male into female. Beauty filters, such as the YouCam Makeup app, change the person’s face and adapt it to certain specifications. Features such as skin texture, hair and eye color or facial features can be changed. AI-supported image generators that reshape people in the style of famous paintings, for example, are also popular.

    What fascinates children and young people about it?

    The choice of filters is unlimited and is constantly growing. Children and young people find it funny and entertaining. They can also use filters to slip into other roles and try their hand. Sometimes filters even provide more anonymity, since the face is not always recognizable.

    Beauty filters are used to quickly “prettify” your own face and adapt it to a certain ideal of beauty. Some young people feel more comfortable with filtered selfies than presenting their true selves in public.

    With apps like Spark AR Studio, you can design your own filters and use them on Instagram. Young people can thus imitate the filters of their role models. There are even small trends and challenges developing with face filters, such as the Yearbook Challenge with retro filters. Challenges with family and friends like the #funnyfilterchallenge on TikTok are especially fun.

    What are the risks?

    Big eyes, narrow nose, pouty mouth and perfect complexion – face filters can convey a very one-sided image of beauty and gender images. If young people often see such pictures of their idols on social media, this can give the impression that their own bodies are not normal and beautiful and that they must look just as perfect. As a result, they resort to filters that distort their own ego.

    As young people’s self-confidence is not yet firmly established, they compare themselves strongly with other people and with widespread ideals of beauty. They may not like pictures of themselves without filters or how they really look. Yet at least some people meet the usual expectations of beauty. Gender-swap filters can convey a false gender image. They are mostly stereotypical and only differentiate between male and female. Some of them are also associated with costs or collect or store personal data.

    A counter-movement in social media is called “body positivity” or #nofilter or#nofilterneeded. Images posted under these hashtags aim to show real people without using filters. However, there is no guarantee that the photos are filter-free.

    What can you do as a parent?

    Understand your child’s enthusiasm for Face Filter when it’s all about fun and creativity. Have them show you what filters your child is using. Talk to him about filters that are supposed to make you more beautiful and what is really behind them. Make it clear that filtered images have little to do with reality and encourage them to do without filters from time to time. You can also show your child in the app settings of social media platforms how to “Like” posts on e.g. Instagram can hide. This can reduce the pressure to get as many likes as possible. Browse the web together for photos tagged with the hashtags #nofilter or #facepositivity . Talk about your own self-image and encourage your child to accept themselves and see themselves as beautiful.

    The Internet Phenomenon Challenges: From Entertaining and for a Good Cause to Reckless and Dangerous

    They are among the most popular online formats for children and young people: Challenges. In the #FortniteDanceChallenge, for example, people film themselves performing the dances of the characters from the game Fortnite game. Or in the #PutYourFingerDownChallenge , they sing along to excerpts of ten songs and lower a finger for every song they know.

    Challenges are available on almost all social media platforms. They are particularly popular with TikTok. Challenges can be fun and get attention for a specific cause. However, it can sometimes be dangerous when younger people in particular try to imitate certain challenges.

    What is behind the Internet phenomenon Challenge?

    This internet phenomenon probably became known through the Ice Bucket Challenge, in which participants poured a bucket of ice water over their heads to raise awareness of ALS. The trend served a charitable purpose. Other challenges also have a positive intention. In the #ChalkYourWalkChallenge, people paint colorful sidewalks to leave a friendly message for others and thus promote a sense of community.

    Some challenges are purely for entertainment, such as imitating dances and songs. In the #BoredInTheHouseChallenge, participants film themselves or their pets doing (humorous) activities. The clips are accompanied by the corresponding song. People take on various skill or fitness challenges, record the whole thing on video and then upload it to social networks. The #PlankChallenge is about increasing the number of push-ups you do every day.

    Challenges are often provided with specific hashtags. The idea behind this is to post your own interpretation of the challenge and also publish the video under the hashtag. These videos go viral within hours and are shared and imitated by users all over the world. Companies also use hashtags to raise their profile among young people.

    What attracts young people to challenges

    Adolescents find it exciting to compete with others and imitate things. This does not have to happen in a video, but can also be in everyday life, at home or at school. They sing together in the schoolyard or try to imitate a dance challenge.

    Certain challenges can give young users a strong sense of community and belonging. Through likes and comments, they give each other feedback and make contact with each other. Recognition and thrills are also reasons for young people to take part in challenges.

    Challenges are an integral part of many social media communities and are also taken part in by influencers. This encourages their young followers to join in and follow the trend.

    When challenges become dangerous

    Not every challenge is harmless. There are also dangerous and risky challenges. If young people are encouraged to imitate, but are not aware of the danger, this becomes a problem. Some challenges call for tests of courage. Others encourage them to eat things that are not meant to be eaten. Or the aim is to lose weight and be as thin as possible.

    Behind some dangerous challenges are so-called hoaxes. These are made up stories that are spread as a challenge. Children and young people are encouraged to engage in risky activities because something bad will supposedly happen otherwise. In the end, the hoax challenges themselves are dangerous. Read more about this in our article on chain letters.

    Networking with like-minded people, proving something to themselves or getting attention are reasons why young people get involved in dangerous challenges.

    To counteract dangerous challenges, TikTok deletes clips with dangerous content or blocks certain search terms. However, videos are often tagged with modified terms such as challenge instead of challenge or underscores are added to avoid blocking.

    Tips for dealing with challenges

    Some challenge content is harmful to minors, for example when it involves pain, disgust or horror. Social media providers occasionally delete dangerous content, but that doesn’t stop other risky challenges from trending. On YouTube and TikTok it is forbidden to post such challenges. On TikTok, users receive an immediate warning when supposedly risky challenge videos appear in their feed. There are also educational videos about it.

    The most important tips at a glance:

    • If your child enjoys watching such videos on the web, have them show you and tell you what excites them about them.
    • Make it clear that some challenges are not suitable for imitation and that much of the content is staged. Explain to your child why some challenges are dangerous (e.g. injuries, but also psychological damage).
    • Talk about types of challenges, e.g. eating unknown things, risky sporting stunts or experiments with fire. Talk openly with your child about the specific challenges they already know about. However, do not mention any other dangerous challenges so as not to draw their attention to them.
    • Be careful when warning other parents about challenges. Do not spread them further. Alarmist warnings can cause fear instead of helping. Report challenges that are harmful to minors and help to curb such content.

    Keep an open mind about fun, harmless, or even helpful challenges. You may also want to take on such challenges together with the whole family.

    BeReal – Your friends for real

    “Hang on, I need to post on BeReal for a minute!” – Many families are familiar with statements like this. The BeReal app was the seventh most popular social media app among young Germans in 2023.
    Authenticity is a top priority here, which is why the service scores points with its unusual concept: spontaneous snapshots from everyday life instead of staged pictures and videos. We explain the concept behind it.

    In brief

    • Free social media photo app for Android and iOS
    • Age rating: from 13 years (according to terms and conditions; children between 13 and 15 years require parental consent), USK from 12 years
    • Requires registration with name, date of birth and phone number
    • Problematic: advertising, collection of personal data, unencrypted data transmission, access to address book

    How does BeReal work?

    BeReal translates as “Be real!”. Users are prompted to take a photo once a day by the app via a push message. The random time varies from day to day and is sent to all users at the same time.

    Within two minutes, a photo must be taken with the front and rear cameras at the same time and published. Pictures from the photo gallery cannot be uploaded. The two photos are displayed as picture-in-picture. The photos of friends can then also be viewed. The posted photos are automatically deleted from the feed after 24 hours and are saved under Memories for private viewing only. If uploaded on time, you can share up to five additional snapshots per day.

    In addition to the daily prompt, you can record videos in “Behind the Scenes” mode, which show what happens before or after the actual photo. There is also the option to add music to the BeReals. The RealChat function allows friends to chat directly with each other and connect with several friends in up to two RealGroups.

    There are no filters or image editing in the app and your follower count is not publicly visible. You can react to other people’s posts with emojis or so-called RealMojis, which are grimaces that you create yourself. Public photos can be seen at any time. Friends can be found and added via synchronization with your own contacts or by searching for user names. Profiles from the public feed can also be added.

    What excites young people about the app?

    New apps are particularly interesting for young users if they offer something out of the ordinary. In times of superficiality and image editing on social networks, BeReal stands out with its concept of spontaneity and authenticity. The tension increases because the push message with the request to take a snapshot can come at any time. A photo must then be taken spontaneously and under time pressure – without preparation or many attempts, without filters or image editing.

    Connecting with brands and celebrities via the RealBrands and RealPeople categories and participating in their “real” lives as a RealFan is fun for young people and makes them feel connected to their role models.

    What can be problematic about BeReal?

    Complying with the app’s requests can be challenging, for example because young people actually want to concentrate on their homework or can’t get their smartphone out at school. For some, the pressure exerted by the push message can be unpleasant or lead to impulsive photos being taken and published in private situations. There can also be social pressure to share particularly interesting pictures on the platform without filters and edits.

    BeReal collects personal data such as name and telephone number and stores the IP address. If access to the address book is permitted, the app also receives data from people who do not use BeReal. There is also a risk that photos of other people who appear unintentionally in the picture will end up in the public feed. Photos can also be screenshotted and shared by others without being noticed.

    What does the provider say

    According to the terms of use, BeReal is permitted from the age of 13. If an age between 13 and 15 is specified when registering, the app indicates that parental consent is required. This is because, due to the GDPR, use without parental consent is only possible from the age of 16. However, this can be easily circumvented.

    The app was sold to the French game developer Voodoo in 2024. Further features could change, advertising has already been integrated. BeReal has community guidelines and prohibits harassment, violence and bullying, for example. Violations can be reported directly in the app.

    What should parents pay attention to?

    If your child is interested in the app, you should also take a closer look at BeReal – preferably together. Talk to your child about the potential communication risks associated with using the app and keep in touch about your child’s experience of using it. Agree beforehand which photos may be published there, so that your child can react consciously in the pressure situation.

    The app accesses many functions of the smartphone, some of which are unfounded, such as microphone and location. Check the app permissions immediately after registration and consider together with your child which accesses are necessary and useful. It is best to set the account to private in the privacy settings so that only people in the friends list can see the posted pictures. Discuss with your child that they should only add people they actually know as friends. You can find instructions on other BeReal security settings on the website medien-kindersicher.de.

    Introducing: kindersache – the participatory website for children

    Die Kinderwebseite kindersache.de ist eine Mitmach-Seite für Kinder zwischen 8 und 13 Jahren. Hier gibt es viele Informationen vor allem über die Kinderrechte, aber auch Möglichkeiten, selbst im Internet aktiv zu werden.

    Kurz gefasst:

    • Informations- und Mitmachangebot für Kinder im Alter zwischen 8 und 13 Jahren
    • zahlreiche überprüfte und moderierte Videos speziell für Kinder
    • sicherer erster Erfahrungsraum für Kinder im Umgang mit sozialen Netzwerken
    • Austauschmöglichkeit mit anderen Kindern

    Was ist kindersache?

    Hier finden Kinder altersgerechte Informationen und interaktive Angebote, z. B. können sie

    • sich über interessante Themen informieren und mit anderen austauschen,
    • kindgerecht aufbereitete, aktuelle Nachrichten lesen,
    • sich Tipps zum sicheren Surfen holen,
    • mitmachen, indem sie einen eigenen Artikel oder Kommentar schreiben,
    • sich rund um ihre Rechte informieren,
    • kreative Ideen zum Basteln oder Experimentieren finden.

    Dem Thema Kinderrechte wird auf kindersache.de besonders viel Raum geboten: Es wird in kindgerechter Art beschrieben, was das überhaupt ist und welche Kinderrechte es gibt. Für Spaß sorgen verschiedene Spielideen und Rätsel auf der Seite. Im Themenbereich Genial Digital gibt es interaktive digitale Lernmodule, die spielerisch Informationen rund um das Thema Internet und das erste Smartphone vermitteln.

    Im Trickstudio von JUKI auf kindersache.de gibt es nicht nur eine Vielzahl an Videos zu entdecken. Im Trickfilmstudie können unkompliziert eigene Trickfilme erstellt werden, Kinder erhalten Tipps für die eigene Filmproduktion und erfahren, was es dabei zu beachten gibt.

    In der Rubrik Mitmachen können Kinder selbst aktiv werden: Einen Artikel oder eine Geschichte schreiben, eigene Videos herstellen und hochladen oder einen Witz erzählen. Dafür müssen sie sich bei kindersache.de registrieren.

    Alle Inhalte auf kindersache.de werden von der Redaktion ausgewählt und überprüft. Auch der Austausch mit anderen ist sicher, da Kommentare und Beiträge vor der Veröffentlichung überprüft werden. So lernen Kinder die Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten im Internet in einem geschützten Raum kenne

    kindersache.de ist eine Internetangebot für Kinder des Deutschen Kinderhilfswerks.

    Da die Webseite speziell für Kinder konzipiert ist, legt sie großen Wert auf Sicherheit und Datenschutz. Persönliche Daten werden nur im notwendigen Maße erhoben und nicht an Dritte weitergegeben. Die Plattform ist zudem werbefrei.

    Was sollten Eltern beachten?

    Wie bei allen Angeboten, die Kinder bis 12 Jahren nutzen, sollten Sie sich auch über kindersache.de informieren und die Seite am besten gemeinsam mit Ihrem Kind erkunden. Es ist wichtig, dass Ihr Kind seine Erfahrungen mit Ihnen teilen kann. Das Gespräch über die Inhalte auf kindersache.de wie z. B. Mitmachen, fördert die Autonomie und das Wissen Ihres Kindes.

    Dieser Artikel ist Teil des Projekts „Eltern-Inspos zu Kinder-Partizipationsplattformen“, das im Rahmen des Förderprogramms „Kindgerechte digitale Angebote und Maßnahmen zur Orientierung“ der Bundeszentrale für Kinder- und Jugendmedienschutz (BzKJ) gefördert und in Zusammenarbeit von JFF – Institut für Medienpädagogik in Forschung und Praxis und der Freiwilligen Selbstkontrolle Multimedia-Diensteanbieter (FSM e.V.) umgesetzt wird.

    Project partners
    Supporter