Chatting with friends, posting content, following stars – social media is very popular with many children and young people and an important part of their everyday lives. In this article, we present some popular platforms and apps and explain why they are so fascinating.
Dance challenges, LipSyncs and comedy – the Chinese platform TikTok offers an endless variety of entertaining short videos and is one of the most popular social media apps among children and young people. Users design their clips with trendy music, fun effects and creative filters. A special feature is the algorithm that displays personalized content in the “For you” feed according to the user’s preferences. Following viral trends and influencers, discovering new functions and video formats and connecting with each other via chat and hashtags fascinates children and young people. TikTok harbors risks such as data protection issues, inappropriate content such as war videos, pornography or drugs and entails communication risks. Endless scrolling can lead to extreme media use and promote digital stress. Parents can use the Accompanied mode control function for younger children.
Instagram is a popular social network where users share photos and videos. The app offers functions such as stories, reels and livestreams and focuses primarily on aesthetics. A variety of image and video editing tools such as filters give users the opportunity to express themselves creatively. The platform encourages interaction through likes, comments and direct messages. Children and young people use Instagram to network, follow role models and trends and present themselves online. Young users find it appealing to post selfies, test their impact and share beautiful moments with friends and family. The platform belongs to the large US internet company Meta. Challenges include the illusory world of perfect self-presentation and advertising by influencers. With parental control, Instagram can be set up safely and usage times can be controlled.
Threads is a text-based app from Instagramthat was specially developed for close friends. The functions of threads are the platform X platform. Users can share photos, videos and messages with selected contacts and view real-time updates about their location, activities or mood. This intimacy and the link to Instagram make threads attractive to young people. As on all social media platforms, there are risks in online communication and in being confronted with harmful content.
Snapchat is a social media app for sharing photos and videos. The so-called “snaps” disappear automatically after 24 hours. The relaxed, spontaneous communication and the fun filters and effects make the app popular with children and young people. Young people use the app to connect with their friends in particular. Snapchat rewards daily exchanges between friends with the Snapstreaks function and awards flame symbols. If the location function is activated, users can see where their contacts are currently located on the Snapmap. Snapchat users are automatically connected to the AI chatbotMy AI which answers questions and chats like a “real” friend. Snapchat is challenging in terms of privacy and data protection and can increase the pressure to be online all the time. The Snapchat Family Center offers parents setting options such as the activity overview and content controls.
BeReal is an ad-free social media app where users share spontaneous snapshots. Once a day, all users receive a simultaneous notification to take a photo with the front and rear camera within two minutes. Anyone who wants to can share their location. The spontaneity and authenticity make the app particularly popular with young people. Users can exchange ideas and network with each other via the comment function and in BeReal groups. The request to post a photo on time can cause digital stress for users and tempt them to disclose overly private information.
Knipsclub is a safe photo community that introduces children to social networks creatively and in a protected environment. Children can share, edit and comment on photos here under pedagogical supervision. In Knipsclub, users do not share any personal data and all content is moderated. This makes the platform a good alternative for parents who want to give their children a safe introduction to social media. Other protected options are platforms such as children’s issues of the DKHW or the children’s forum of Seitenstark. These children’s websites offer age-appropriate content, encourage creativity and offer moderated forums on specific topics.
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, BeReal and Threads may be used from the age of 13 with parental consent according to the terms and conditions. When choosing social media services, make sure they are age-appropriate for your child. If your child is still younger, offer them alternatives such as the Knipsclub to make it easier for them to enter the world of online networking. Actively help your child get started with their own smartphone or on one of the popular social media platforms. Make sure your smartphone and apps are childproof and talk about the risks of social media use at an early stage. Educate your child about topics such as data protection, communication risks and community rules. Stay in touch about favorite channels and influencers to better understand and support your child’s media behavior.
Everyone knows them, but most people don’t know exactly how they are determined: the age ratings for film content issued by the Voluntary Self-Regulation Body of the German Film Industry (FSK). How are they determined and on what basis? What role do age ratings play for children, young people and parents? The virtual parents’ evening explores these and other questions. The focus here is on the work of the FSK, which issues the statutory age ratings for films, series and trailers that are released in cinemas, by streaming providers or on DVD or Blu-ray in Germany on behalf of the supreme state youth authorities.
As part of the virtual parents’ evening, both the FSK’s testing procedures and the criteria that lead to the known age ratings of 0, 6, 12, 16 and 18 are presented. Following on from this, there are insights into the media literacy and participation projects with children and young people as well as the information and orientation services offered by the FSK.
Join us live and put your questions to our experts – we will provide answers and be available for discussions! The event will be held in German.
Date: 16.09.2024 | Time: 5 to 6 pm
Speakers: Michael Schmidt and Peter Kaun (FSK)
Moderation: FSM e.V.
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, within the Zoom service we have chosen the configurations with the highest data and security protection.
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Paw Patrol, Pokémon, Peppa Wutz – the TOGGO app offers children a comprehensive range of entertainment tailored specifically to their needs and interests. With a wide selection of series, interactive games, radio plays and music, the app is aimed specifically at young users of different ages. We present the offer.
The app aims to offer children and young people a safe and entertaining platform. It contains a wide range of content with series, games, radio plays and music tailored to different age groups. The Toggolino area is specially designed for children between the ages of 2 and 5 and enables them to navigate easily and without text. This protected area can only be exited with a text code, so children cannot do this by mistake. You need support from someone who can read. The TOGGO area is aimed at older children up to the age of 14 and offers a greater variety of exciting content, such as multiplayer games that can also be played with friends.
The app meets the needs of children at different stages of development: Younger children enjoy the simple and fun content in the Toggolino section, while older children can discover exciting adventures and cool, challenging games in the TOGGO section. Regular updates and new content ensure that there is always something new to discover. The opportunity to interact with the app keeps children busy and encourages their creativity. Content that is tailored to the age and interests of the users ensures a personalized experience that children particularly enjoy.
Super RTL emphasizes that the app is designed to be safe and suitable for children. Various measures are taken to protect the privacy and safety of the children. This includes strict compliance with the data protection guidelines, which can be viewed on the app’s website.
Actively accompany the use of the offer: Select the content together and accompany the use depending on the age of your child to ensure that the content is suitable. Talk openly with your child about the safe use of digital media, especially about the importance of data protection.
Sharing: Discover the content together with your child to share their experiences. Integrate your child’s opinion when selecting new content to encourage interest and participation.
Use the available settings: Customize the content according to your child’s age and level of development.
Open communication: Discuss with your child what to do if they come across inappropriate content or have difficulties using it. Clarify what needs to be considered when playing virtual games together if your child networks with friends in multiplayer games within the app.
Set usage limits: Encourage balanced leisure activities by jointly defining the duration of use.
Encourage alternative learning and play resources: Motivate your child to explore non-digital learning and play resources.
Explain advertising: Explain to your child what advertising is and how it works to create an awareness of commercial content.
Who Fortnite and the like, there’s no getting around this provider: the Epic Games Launcher from game developer Epic. We explain what the gaming platform offers and what parents should bear in mind when it comes to protecting minors.
The Epic Games Launcher distributes games from Epic and other manufacturers. While the majority of games are chargeable, there are also numerous free games in the launcher. Popular free games include Fortnite, Rocket League and Fall Guys . It should be noted, however, that optional in-game purchases and microtransactions are offered within the games.
Via Epic Games, users can purchase games, play them and chat with other players. Players create an account, buy access to a game and thus acquire the right to play the games on the platform. The platform can best be compared with the popular gaming platform Steam platform. A special feature is that certain games that normally cost between EUR 20 and 60 are offered for free at weekly intervals in the Epic Games Launcher. However, users must select the game in the launcher during the respective offer week and add it to their Epic account.
Battle Royale games such as Fortnite and Fall Guys fascinate children and young people. Great heroine stories are told here and battles are fought that require strategy and team spirit. Through Epic Games, young people can try out different games, connect with their friends and constantly discover new games on the market. The weekly free games also give children and young people with a limited pocket money budget access to the latest titles.
Anyone who deletes or blocks their account will lose access to the entire game library and all game achievements. Anyone using an unprotected account can be confronted with communication risks such as hate speech or extreme opinions, spend a lot of money on in-game purchases or play games that are not appropriate for their age. The parental controls include settings such as a chat filter for offensive language, spending limits, age restrictions and much more. The playing time cannot be limited. However, parents can currently have a weekly Fortnite playtime report sent to them by email.
Epic Games offers game developers a paid platform to bring their games to market. A right of return within 14 days applies to every game. In the community rules, Epic Games sets out guidelines for dealing with each other. The provider prohibits misconduct such as bullying or harassment and threatens consequences such as blocking the user’s account. Users can use the report form to report misconduct by other users. Each account can be protected by two-factor authentication. Parents can customize the use of the Epic Games Launcher for their children via the parental controls. Using a parental PIN, they can set age ratings for access to games and Fortnite experiences, restrict purchases and customize online interaction options such as voice chat and linking with friends. Epic Games offers parents and guardians a dedicated contact form for support requests.
Use the technical settings for youth media protection and set up your child’s Epic Games account in an age-appropriate manner. If your child is between 13 and 15 years old, we recommend setting up a children’s account. If your child plays Fortnite and other games on a games console, activate the safety settings for children there too. As the playing time cannot be restricted via the gaming platform, use the settings options on the console or PC for screen time if required. When selecting games, pay attention to the USK age rating and only allow your child access to age-appropriate games. You can find an overview and detailed instructions on parental controls at medien-kindersicher.de. Be aware that technical youth media protection does not replace media education, but is a supporting element. Stay open and interested and talk to your child regularly about their favorite games. Talk to your child about their play and interaction experiences. Don’t overlook risks such as contact with strangers and agree on rules for dealing with games in the family.
Meeting new people, having fun, flirting for the first time – video chat services are popular with children and young people. Free offers such as OmeTV, Chatroulette or even Yubo make it possible to connect with complete strangers. Although the apps are often criticized for issues such as pornography, cybergrooming and questionable data protection, many young people like to use them.
Video chat platforms randomly connect users from all over the world. They can see and chat with each other via the camera function. When they have had enough of each other, they click or swipe on to the next person. Thousands of users communicate with each other simultaneously via these websites and apps. This means that the pool of potential contacts is inexhaustible. Most services require a link to data such as the Facebook – or Google account or registration with an e-mail address or telephone number. Yubo is permitted from the age of 13 according to the terms and conditions, OmeTV and Chatroulette only from the age of 18. However, since the age or the required declaration of consent from the parents are not checked, younger people also use the applications.
For young people, the platforms are an opportunity to gain new experiences and get to know people. They go online alone or with friends and chat with strangers. They often experience funny, weird and crazy things there. This can be exciting and fun – and offers room to try things out. On TikTok and YouTube videos of chats on OmeTV are very popular and are shared under their own hashtags. Users post videos of pranks such as alleged assaults online and influencers talk about their crazy experiences in video chats. This arouses young people’s curiosity and raises their hopes of meeting their idols in a random chat.
Platforms such as OmeTV and the like are known for the fact that the content they show is often anything but adult-friendly. Anonymity is high and the inhibition threshold is therefore low. Many people use video chats to vent their frustrations, share extreme opinions or satisfy sexual needs. So it often happens that especially men show themselves naked in front of the camera. Insults and discrimination are also commonplace. This can unsettle and unsettle young people in particular. The providers threaten to take strict measures such as lifelong exclusion from the service if the community guidelines are violated. However, the anonymity of the users makes it almost impossible to trace them. Dangers such as cybergrooming, sextortion, sexual harassment or digital violence cannot be ruled out. Inadequate data protection poses a further risk. This allows users to save chat histories, take a screenshot or record images and sound. This usually happens without the consent of the data subjects. Another application also makes it possible to find out the IP address of the user with a little skill. Thus, the anonymous contact may not remain anonymous.
If your child expresses a desire to use these platforms or is already doing so, do not react with a lack of understanding and strict prohibitions. A ban can make these platforms even more attractive and tempt your child to chat secretly with strangers on the Internet. Try to understand the fascination of such offers and talk openly about it. Educate your child about communication risks such as sexual harassment, bullying and cybergrooming. It is important that your child is aware that this is a public space to which everyone has access. The protection of data and privacy is therefore particularly important. Agree rules together on how to deal with such offers. Give your child the feeling that they can talk to you if they have any unpleasant experiences or questions. OmeTV and co. are not suitable for children, despite precautionary measures. Find out about age-appropriate media for your child. Try to talk to your child about alternatives so that he or she can still make new contacts. For younger children, offers on children’s websites can be an alternative, e.g. via kindersache.de, seitenstark.de or knipsclub.de.
It’s cute, wants to be fed and invites you to play: Bitzee, the electronic pet in the box. The game is becoming increasingly popular with children and is a frequent topic of conversation in the playground. We explain what the digital toy is all about.
Feeding, stroking, playing – the Bitzee is a digital pet you can touch and works on a similar principle to a Tamagotchi from the 1990s, but in a modern version. In a handy box, a moving display brings one of 15 different characters to life and encourages play and interaction. The display works similarly to a hologram and reacts to touch. At the beginning, there are three pets available, such as a dog, fish or hedgehog, the so-called “Bitzees”. When the box is opened, the Bitzee uses a sound and the display to tell you what it needs. If the tasks such as feeding, rocking to sleep or cleaning up droppings are completed, the Bitzee develops from a baby to an adult animal to a super Bitzee. The entire box is used for this: the Bitzee reacts to movements such as tilting, lifting and shaking the box as well as swiping across the bar. Once all the tasks of a bite are completed, a mini-game is unlocked and a new treat is ready. This can be used to unlock new Bitzees.
The Bitzee is great fun for children. Digital toys are particularly popular at an early primary school age. Children form Bitzee groups, show each other their digital animals, compare them and play together. Bitzees are a popular way to relieve boredom and offer an alternative to gaming on mobile devices. The handy box means they can accompany children everywhere. Many children have a desire for a pet. The need to take care of something is fulfilled to a certain extent by the Bitzee. Players achieve quick success: those who look after their Bitzee well are rewarded with an increase in the Heart-O-Meter and quickly advance to a higher game level. The mini-games, funny sounds and small animations are fun for children.
The moving display is a projection and flickers. These light reflections can be dangerous for epileptics, which is why the instructions contain a health warning. The vibrations of the display produce a noise that is quite loud and cannot be regulated. The toy is battery-operated and soon becomes less attractive once all 15 animals have been unlocked. In terms of sustainability, the question arises as to the cost-benefit aspect of this digital toy.
Instructions in various languages are available on the website. The Bitzee box only sends messages when it is open. If a pet ‘s needs are not met, the animals may run away. However, they can be attracted again with treats. The device can be reset and all animals can be played again. Bitzee was awarded 3rd place in the TOMMI Children’s Software Prize by the jury of children and experts. The provider Spin Master has announced that it will be expanding its range and developing even more gaming experiences “out of the box”.
Children love to look after the Bitzee and play with it. They quickly develop an ambition to bring each animal up to the highest level and unlock more animals. This provides an incentive to play the game again and again. This urge to play a lot quickly subsides as soon as the 15 animals have been played through. If the box is closed, nothing happens – the Bitzee takes a break and there are no disadvantages in the game. Help your child to put the Bitzee to one side and find balance in other activities. Keep an eye on your child’s media time and agree on rules for gaming in the family. If your child wants to have a Bitzee, discuss the background to the request together and don’t let other parents’ rules put you under pressure. Readindependent reviewsfrom other consumers and make an informed decision together.
Is gaming only for boys? Far from it! According to the JIM Study 2023, over half of the girls aged 12 to 19 surveyed said they gambled several times a week. The following games are particularly popular Minecraft , The Sims , Hay Day and Mario Kart. The gaming scene is dominated by men, and many successful gaming stars such as Gronkh and Elias N97 are male. However, there are more and more female and queer Let’s Players and they are important role models for young gamers.
Let’s Players play video games and share their strategies and tips with their followers. They comment on and rate the game in an entertaining way. They upload the Let’s Play videos to platforms such as YouTube and communicate with their fans via the comments. Some gaming stars stream their gaming sessions on Twitch live and interact directly with their audience. Major gaming influencers use various business models to earn lots of clicks and money.
Jasmin Gnu known as Gnu, is one of the most prominent female Let’s Players in Germany. She became famous a few years ago mainly through her humorous and entertaining videos on YouTube and streams on Twitch. Gnu plays games like The Sims , GTA and Fortnite and her fans love her for her authentic and likeable nature. In addition to her Let’s Plays, she also produces content on various topics such as sexism in the gaming industry and dealing with her eating disorder.
Honeyball whose real name is Isabel Barbara Zimmermann, has been active in the gaming community for more than ten years. Her fans appreciate her self-deprecating comments and her positive attitude. She became known for her Let’s Plays of sandbox and role-playing games such as Minecraft and The Sims. Honeyball is also active as a creative and creates texture packs for Minecraft as a game designer, which are appreciated and further developed by the community.
Antonia Staab alias Reved began her career in 2019 and is known for her diverse content on Twitch and YouTube. It streams a wide range of games from well-known titles to indie games. It shows a mixture of gaming, chatting and creative formats such as quiz shows. In 2023, she launched the Stream Awards, which honor outstanding moments and personalities from the Twitch community. Reved is bisexual.
Even more streamers can be seen in the child-friendly video series “Ansage!” on the children’s TV channel KiKA. There, young gamers challenge well-known streamers such as Sissor, Mowky, Freiraumreh, Kiara and Shorty in gaming challenges.
Many game-loving children and young people not only play games themselves, but also enjoy watching others play them. They can learn more about a game, get tricks for difficult tasks and be entertained by their favorite stars.
It is important that they not only experience the male perspective, but that there are also female and queer Let’s Players. They show different perspectives on gaming and are role models for female and queer young people who want to recognize themselves in the gaming community. They prove that anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can be successful in gaming.
Female and queer gamers often have a hard time in the male-dominated scene and can become victims of online hate. The presence of female and queer Let’s Players can make a decisive contribution to making the gaming community more diverse, open and representative. They contribute to greater visibility and can support positive social change towards greater acceptance.
No matter who your child’s favorite Let’s Players and streamers are, it’s best to watch Let’s Plays together with your child. This will help you better understand what your child enjoys about Let’s Players and learn more about your child’s gaming hobby.
The gaming world is still heavily male-dominated. Broaden your child’s perspective and draw their attention to a gaming star with a female or queer identity.
Make sure that your child does not watch any Let’s Play videos of games that are not approved for children of a certain age. Keep in touch with your child about the business models of Let’s Players. Help him analyze advertising, product placements and other forms of money-making. Discuss the language of gamers with your child. Make your child aware of communication risks online and explain to them how they can deal with unpleasant situations.
In the digital world, there are numerous apps that have been specially developed for children to help them learn and discover. One of these is the Kabu app, which teaches primary school children about current media topics and how to use digital media safely in a child-friendly and entertaining way. Introducing the children’s info app.
Kabu is an information app for children that was developed by the specialist media education organization SIN – Studio im Netz e. V. The app conveys knowledge about current media topics – such as artificial intelligence or why TikTok is only permitted from the age of 13 – in an entertaining way. The content is created together with a children’s editorial team and updated monthly. Kabu is funded by the Auerbach Foundation and the Social Department/City Youth Welfare Office of the City of Munich and is completely free of charge and free of advertising.
Children of primary school age are in a phase in which learning and discovery play a central role. Kabu offers them the opportunity to acquire knowledge and become creative through play. The app is divided into six sections: ‘Tips & Tricks’, ‘Games & Quizzes’, ‘Join in’, ‘Interesting Facts’, ‘Media Tips’ and ‘Creative’. The mythical creature Kabu, a funny Wolpertinger, accompanies the children through the app and gives helpful tips. The interactive games, quizzes and creative instructions strike a chord with this age group and encourage both digital and analog play. The children are particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to contact the Kabu editorial team directly via the app, contribute their own ideas and take part in surveys. This encourages their participation and creativity.
The provider emphasizes that the app was specially developed for children of primary school age and places particular emphasis on security and data protection. The content is moderated and contacting the editorial team always requires parental permission. In addition, all content is free of charge and free of advertising in order to create a safe and value-free learning environment. Data protection and contact risks are taken seriously and constantly improved to ensure the safety of young users.
Computer games are a topic in many families and often a cause for conflict. On Elternguide.online there are lots of articles where you can get suggestions for dealing with games in the family. A small selection:
Children and young people love to play games – including computer and online games. Media educator Fabian Wörz explains in a video what needs to be considered.
Immerse yourself in game worlds, compete with others, switch off and cultivate friendships. In this article, we explain what attracts children and young people to video games.
Here you will find a collection of tips for dealing with computer games in your family. The article is available to read and as an audio file. Helpful setting options for devices and platforms to limit the playing time and protect against costs can be found in this text.
Which game is suitable for my child? In this article you will find information on the protection of minors in video games and what else you should look out for when choosing games. Who actually checks what age a game is suitable for? We explain interesting facts about the age rating of digital games in Germany in the article on the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK).
Computer games are a very communicative activity because gamers often meet online to play. You can read about the opportunities and risks involved in this in this article. In addition to general communication risks such as online bullying, hate among gamers and extremist speech on gaming forums can also become an issue.
If the game is not played on a smartphone or computer, a games console is used. This is at the top of many wish lists – read our article to find out what you should bear in mind. Gambling – but safely! Security settings for Xbox, Nintendo Switch and Playstation can be found in this article. Various game mechanics can increase the pressure to keep playing and make it difficult to find an end to the game.
More and more people are becoming aware that computer games have many positive effects. You can read more about this in our article.
This is only a small selection of contributions to the topic. On our page you will find an introduction to the five most popular genres of online games and descriptions of the most popular computer and mobile games among children and young people, such as Roblox, Minecraft, Brawl Stars and Fortnite. We offer explanations of gaming platforms such as Twitch and Steam and cloud gaming services such as Amazon Luna, shedding light on various distribution channels for games in general and the games-as-a-service business model in particular. You can also find articles on our website about dangers such as violence in games or computer game addiction and much more.
“But I want to watch TV longer, just a little bit more!” – this child substitute should be familiar to most parents. Television – whether via traditional offerings or streaming – is a popular topic of contention in families and often leads to discussions. Reconciling the children’s wishes with the adults’ ideas is not always easy. How long can I let my child watch TV without a guilty conscience? How do I select suitable shipments? What devices and channels do people watch on? FLIMMO – the parents’ guide to TV, streaming, YouTube and cinema – was created precisely to answer such questions.
In brief
FLIMMO – popular children’s television at a glance
On the flimmo.de website, you as a parent can quickly find out whether a particular series or program is suitable for your child. You will also find out what is currently on TV and whether there is something suitable for your child. Children not only use traditional TV programming, but also watch on streaming platforms, YouTube or in media libraries. They use social media services such as TikTok and Instagram, even though they are only allowed to use them from the age of 13. The FLIMMO experts try to check all interesting offers for children. The focus is on the perspective of young media users: What do they like about films, series, shows or channels? What causes them problems? What do they like to watch and why? How do they deal with media experiences and how do they process them?
The assessments point out problematic issues or warn of possible excessive demands. In the same way, it is made clear what interests, fascinates or amuses children at the respective age. Educational assessments make it clear what children like about a movie or series, what can be problematic and what parents should pay particular attention to. FLIMMO also addresses questions relating to media education in the family: How much media time is appropriate? What rules help and how do you get siblings under one roof? What is important when dealing with YouTube? The guidebook helps parents meet the challenges of everyday media life with brief information and practical tips.
The rating system
FLIMMO reviews films, series, documentaries, movies and social media channels that children between the ages of 3 and 13 like to watch – or want to watch. A traffic light shows at a glance whether a movie, series or YouTube channel is suitable for children or not. And if so, from what age:
Green: This content is suitable from the respective age and is well received by children. You will find entertaining, exciting, funny and educational.
Yellow: There are problematic aspects from a pedagogical point of view. These can be questionable role models or heroines who rely exclusively on violence. Parents should keep an eye on how children deal with this and take countermeasures if necessary.
Red: There are elements that can overwhelm, unsettle or frighten children. Regardless of age, such content is not suitable for children.
Who is behind FLIMMO?
FLIMMO is a project of the non-profit association Programmberatung für Eltern e. V. It is scientifically and pedagogically based. Experienced media educators from the JFF – Institute for Media Education take care of the content and evaluations. FLIMMO also regularly surveys 3- to 13-year-olds about their preferences.
How to use FLIMMO in the family
Even though the offer is primarily aimed at you as a parent, it can be exciting to click through the website’s content together with your child. FLIMMO ‘s simple and clear rating system is well suited for finding suitable content. If your child tells you about an interesting series or YouTube channel, you can look up what FLIMMO has to say about it together.
In addition to assessments of channels, www.flimmo.de/socialmedia also provides information about social media and what parents should look out for if they allow its use.
Fortnite has been one of the most popular online games among children and teenagers since its release in 2017. Many game modes are approved for ages 12 and up, but are often used by much younger players.
When talking about Fortnite, it is important to note that it is not just a game. Rather, Fortnite has developed into a platform for online games with different game modes, which often share the same visuals and setting. In the only paid mode, “Save The World”, you have to build a fortress with other players to protect the last human survivors from zombies.
The free version “Fortnite Battle Royale” is far better known and more popular, in which the aim is to kill all other players, either alone or in a team, in order to survive. There is also a creative mode, which is presented in our article Creative with Fortnite and Minecraft and in which violence and time pressure can be completely dispensed with.
The three new modes “Fortnite Festival”, “Fortnite Racing” and “Lego Fortnite” have also been added. While “Fortnite Festival” is more like a rhythm game, “Fortnite Racing”, as the name suggests, is all about fast races. In “Lego Fortnite”, players have to fight monsters and construct buildings together, with the figures and content being kept in the look of classic Lego toys.
Fortnite is available on all popular consoles such as the Playstation 4/5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One/Series. The app can also be downloaded on the PC and for Mac. The app can also be installed on Android and Apple devices via a few detours, but not via the classic Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The game can also be streamed to many devices via the increasingly popular cloud gaming providers such as Amazon Luna.
In March 2022, “Fortnite Battle Royale” added the so-called “No Build” mode. In this variant, players cannot build protective structures such as walls and have to think of new ways to gain an advantage over other players, such as a height advantage. Fortnite is currently working a lot with other companies and franchises to integrate their content into the game. Pop artist Billie Eilish has immortalized herself as a playable character in the game. Heroes from Star Wars, Avatar – The Lord of the Elements, My Hero Academia and many more also bring a breath of fresh air to the game.
Creative mode in particular has changed a lot in recent years. Players can now create their own “islands” and integrate their own game objectives. Although many of these islands copy the familiar “Battle Royale” mode, other islands are completely non-violent. There may therefore even be different age ratings and recommendations within Fortnite.
Rarely has a game generated so much hype. Certainly also because parts of Fortnite are free and can be played on various platforms. Moreover, it is easy to get into the game without any previous knowledge.
The gameplay is very exciting and provides plenty of adrenaline. Thus, game players must constantly be on guard, quickly hide from attackers and develop good strategies to survive. The round principle provides the incentive to do better in the next round than in the previous one. Funny details like the worldwide known joy and victory dances of the game characters add to the fun of the game.
Fortnite ‘s “Battle Royale” mode has been heavily criticized due to the USK age rating of 12 and up. Gun violence is the only option here, but a necessary one to win the game. Fortnite does not contain any detailed depictions of violence, no blood flows, there are no corpses to be seen and the cartoon look also plays down the violent gameplay. Still, the goal is to kill each other. Children in particular could lose awareness of this very quickly. At the same time, 12-year-olds can already see through this match-fixing because of their media experience.
Fortnite “Battle Royale” is nevertheless very nerve-wracking, as players have to constantly scan their surroundings for threats. This pressure can cause children and young people to feel stressed and overwhelmed. During the game rounds, many game pieces are quickly eliminated. This can cause frustration in a short time when it hits your own avatar.
If you want to play Fortnite, you need an account with EPIC Games. To do this, it is necessary to provide an email address or that of an existing account, such as Apple, Google, Facebook, Nintendo, Playstation or Xbox.
The game allows the purchase of virtual currency, so-called V-Bucks. This can be used to buy virtual items like outfits, victory dances, or even access to weekly challenges with real money. These items and functions are not necessary for the game, but they are exciting, especially for children and teenagers. In recent years, the cooperation with well-known franchises such as Marvel or Star Wars has been expanded enormously, which should boost the voluntary in-app purchases. Some of these offers are often only available for purchase for a limited time, which can lead to the fear of missing out(FOMO).
Please note that the various game modes have been given their respective age ratings for different reasons. It is not only the violence depicted that can be decisive, but also increased incentives to buy. Fortnite should be seen as a game as a service, for which we have written a separate article.
In particular, the “islands” created by users have their own age labels, which were assigned according to the so-called IARC system and can therefore also be aimed at younger children.
If your child wants to play Fortnite, take a look at the game yourself beforehand and talk to your child about why they find Fortnite interesting. Play together and let your child explain what it is all about and agree on common rules. Keep an eye on your child’s screen time and make technical settings to make it easier to balance gaming and other leisure activities.
Also try to make your child aware that Fortnite is about violence and that this should not be underestimated. But that doesn’t mean that computer games necessarily make people violent.
Be there as a contact person if your child encounters inappropriate content or unpleasant fellow players. Players who behave inappropriately can be reported via the game menu. Use the Fortnite parental controls and set them up together with your child. For example, a PIN can be used to restrict payments and interaction and communication options. You can also restrict the content your child can see in Fortnite. For example, they can completely block game modes that are not age-appropriate for their child. You can find clear instructions for parents on how to do this at medien-kindersicher.de.
Whether scary movies, funny comedies or exciting action films – experiencing movies on a big screen in the cinema is something special for children and young people. Children and young people should only watch films that are suitable for their age. That’s why there are age ratings and corresponding controls in cinemas. In this article, we explain what the protection of minors in cinemas looks like and which exceptions and special regulations apply.
Practically all cinema films are submitted to the Voluntary Self-Regulation Body of the Film Industry (FSK) for examination. The FSK issues the familiar age ratings from 0, 6, 12, 16 and 18 years in independent test procedures in accordance with the Youth Protection Act and in cooperation with the supreme state youth authorities. The approvals are not educational recommendations. They are intended to ensure that children and young people are not impaired and thus stand for a positive film experience. For parents, they offer guidance when choosing a movie.
Children and young people may only attend movie screenings if they have reached the appropriate age. One exception is the so-called Parental Guidance (PG) regulation. According to this regulation, children from the age of 6 can attend movies with an FSK rating from the age of 12 if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. This gives parents a special responsibility when going to the movies together and allows them to enjoy a movie experience with the whole family.
Parents do not have to be present themselves. You can assign parental responsibility to any adult:
In cases of doubt, cinema operators must verify the age of majority of the accompanying person and the parental authority on the basis of a written confirmation.
Perhaps you are wondering why this regulation does not also apply to the age ratings from 6 and 16 years? After all, the shared film experience of parents and children offers an ideal starting point for growing up well with media and promotes media literacy. However, it is not possible to consciously decide to go to the cinema with your child if he or she has not yet reached the relevant age group. Legislators are called upon to amend the provisions of the Youth Protection Act. Cinemas must not ignore this.
The Youth Protection Act also contains regulations on the times at which children and young people can attend a movie screening.
Find out about the FSK rating and the time of the movie you want to see before you go to the cinema. The reasons for the age rating are also important. The FSK offers explanatory statements and additional information on all current cinema films at www.fsk.de/kinostarts. If your child is between 6 and 11 years old, think carefully about whether you want to give your child access to a movie from the age of 12 with the help of parental guidance. Films aged 12 and over may contain exciting or action-packed elements, but no excessive violence or explicit depictions. Choose age-appropriate films for your child, taking into account their stage of development. Take note of educational recommendations on current movies such as FLIMMO. This is the best way to assess whether a movie is suitable for your child.
Creepy phenomena like the Game Master, scary chain letters like Momo or horror figures like Huggy Wuggy are constantly circulating on the Internet. But what exactly is behind it? And how can parents react to this? In this article we explain.
The so-called Game Master is a darkly dressed, masked stranger who contacts YouTubers via WhatsApp or letter and sets them scary or dangerous tasks. These tasks must then be completed as quickly as possible. If the YouTubers do not fulfill the task set, they face penalties. Some of the Game Master’s actions even cross borders: he allegedly turns up at YouTubers’ homes or breaks into them and destroys their property. Their videos show how helpless the YouTubers seem to be at the mercy of the Game Master.
Have you ever seen a YouTube video featuring the supposed Game Master? Then you will have quickly noticed that the character and the story around it are made up. Presumably a person from the circle of friends has put on dark clothing and a mask. The interaction between YouTuber and Game Master is therefore a game.
Whether it’s scary chain letters, creepy videos, horror computer games like Poppy Playtime or dark quotes from films and memes – many children and young people really enjoy these kinds of trends. There are many reasons for this: by consuming scary videos and messages, children and young people can test their own limits, prove something to others, distract themselves mentally or simply feel the adrenaline rush. For them, following the creepy trends is both exciting and scary at the same time. It is a small challenge, especially for children, to dare to watch such videos or read the news.
The big problem here is that children and young people do not always understand how such content is staged. Younger children in particular are not even aware of the actual origin of a scary phenomenon and are unable to classify it or find it difficult to do so.
News and videos like those of the Game Masters are designed to spread fear and horror among young viewers. Talk to your child about what is behind these phenomena. Explain to them that such videos or chain letters cannot be genuine. For example, ask yourself together how you would react if an unknown person came to your home unintentionally and wanted to harm you. Agree with your child that they will talk to you if they receive scary messages or videos.
To expose a chain letter or video as nonsense, it helps to search for it online. There is information on almost every phenomenon here. Explain to your child what a false report is and how they can deal with it. And last but not least, to avoid wasting any more energy on the unwanted message, simply delete it from your smartphone and do not forward it – also to protect other children. Please note that care should be taken when warning other parents or families so as not to inadvertently spread the phenomenon or videos unnecessarily. It is best to make it clear immediately that it is a deliberate hoax if this is the case.
What you can also do: Block the contact together with your child and report the content to the operators of the platform or to the relevant reporting offices.
The Xplora XGO3 is a smartwatch specially developed for children that combines safety and fun. With its multiple functions, it offers parents the opportunity to manage and monitor communication with their children while giving children a sense of independence. We explain what’s behind the smartwatch for children.
The Xplora XGO3 is designed to provide children with a degree of safety while allowing them to explore the world around them and develop their independence. For you as a parent, the smartwatch is a tool for monitoring and managing communication with your child. It is not a fully-fledged smartwatch, but is designed with children in mind and can be operated intuitively by touch.
Key features include GPS tracking to keep track of your child’s whereabouts, an SOS emergency call function in case of an emergency and a limited communication option to enable contact with trusted people. Making phone calls and sending (voice) messages is possible, surfing the Internet is excluded. You cannot enter your own texts for messages.
You can also use the parent app on your smartphone to set a school mode for your child’s school hours and a safety zone in which your child can move around freely without you being notified.
Children and teenagers love the opportunity to wear a smartwatch like adults, but one that is specially tailored to their needs. Functions such as answering calls from pre-authorized contacts and sending SOS messages offer security and a feeling of independence. The little extras such as games or the mini camera can also be fun. In addition, the integrated pedometer motivates children to stay active and promote their fitness.
The provider emphasizes the importance of data protection and provides data protection settings to protect the privacy of users. Parental control functions are also offered to monitor and restrict use. The provider emphasizes that the safety and protection of children is the top priority.
Toned bodies on YouTube fitness channels, flawless beauty influencers on Instagram or perfectly staged selfies in WhatsApp chats– social media conveys a certain image of beauty that is often far removed from reality. Such ideals can put enormous pressure on children and young people and have a negative impact on their self-esteem. How can parents help their children develop a healthy approach to beauty images online?
Pale skin in the Middle Ages, curvy bodies in the Baroque era, short hair in the 1920s, thin models in the 1990s – what is considered beautiful is subject to constant change and varies according to time and culture. Throughout history, women in particular have been strongly valued by their appearance. Today’s ideal of beauty is strongly influenced by gender stereotypes and social media trends.
“Do I look beautiful?”. With the onset of puberty at the latest, children and adolescents are increasingly concerned with their appearance and identity. This time is often characterized by uncertainty and comparisons. Young people also look to the media for guidance. They keep a close eye on how people present themselves online. Influencers become important role models that they want to emulate. Many social media stars present themselves as particularly approachable on their profiles and encourage contact with their target group. The strong relationship with their idols can be an orientation aid in the development of their own body and beauty image, but can also lead to insecurity and pressure. This is because a lot of content shows highly distorted images of beauty.
Big eyes, full lips, white teeth, flawless skin – on platforms like Instagram and TikTok are dominated by one-sided images of beauty that are perfected with the use of filters and image editing, including the use of AI avatars. Added to this are the mechanisms of social media services, in which algorithms preferentially select images with naked skin and display content according to the characteristics and preferences of users. Influencers show more appearance than reality in order to earn money with clicks and product placements. Anyone who does not conform to the current ideal of beauty receives negative feedback and even hate comments. This increases the pressure on young users to meet unrealistic beauty standards. According to a study conducted by the Austrian education platform safer-internet.at in early 2024, beauty ideals on the internet put both girls and boys under a lot of pressure. More than half of the young people surveyed want to look beautiful, stylish and slim online. If children and young people are constantly comparing themselves and frequently use filters, this can have an impact on their self-perception. Pumping until you drop, starving yourself to the point of anorexia – some content even shows beauty ideals that are harmful to health, which can be dangerous if imitated.
Fortunately, there are also counter-movements online such as curvy models, body positivity and hashtags like #formorerealityoninstagram. They help to make visible and celebrate a diversity of bodies and identities. Such authentic content encourages users to take a healthier and more realistic view of beauty and their bodies.
Show an interest in your child’s media use and keep in touch with your child about their favorite influencers and content. Analyze together which editing steps are behind many images and videos and explain to him that this is mostly about marketing. Make it clear to your child that their social media feed is not an accurate reflection of reality. Encourage your child to weed out profiles that trigger bad feelings. Give your child access to the good side of the internet and show them (children’s) media that portray diverse world views and gender images. Comedy profiles such as Celeste Barber or formats for children and young people such as this video on beauty filters by TeamTimster on KIKA help to question unrealistic ideals of beauty.
Emphasize the diversity of bodies and images of beauty and encourage your child to be positive about their own body. Praise your child’s inner values, such as personality and interests, to strengthen their self-esteem. If you are unsure, your child is suffering from digital stress or an eating disorder, seek help, for example in the form of (digital) counseling services.
