Digital dangers for children: This is how the Innocence in Danger association protects!

Digital dangers for children: This is how the Innocence in Danger association protects!

In an increasingly digitalized world, children face challenges that are often overwhelming. Julia von Weiler, psychologist and head of the association Innocence in Danger, has made it its mission to protect the youngest in the digital world. Your association is active internationally, including in Germany, France, the USA and Great Britain. Weiler is currently organizing a holiday project in Brandenburg, where a digital workshop for children without technical devices and the Internet will take place.

This innovative workshop features creative arts and crafts activities such as self-portraits and t-shirt tie-dye. The focus is on teaching identity and boundaries to prepare children for the challenges of the digital world. “Children are often released digitally too early, without being adequately prepared,” emphasizes von Weiler. The aim here is to give young people skills so that they can use the internet safely.

Dealing with digital media

The use of digital media brings with it both opportunities and risks. Through media literacy, children can not only acquire knowledge, but also be creative and maintain social contacts. According to that parent baby Advice is the ability to use media critically and reflectively, a key skill for growing up in the digital world. This means teaching children not only technical skills, but also how to use information ethically.

But with the use of digital media comes serious risks. Studies show that around a quarter of young people in Germany have problematic media use. The main dangers include cyberbullying, data misuse and online addiction. An open culture of discussion between parents and children is essential in order to meet these challenges.

The role of parents

Parents have a great responsibility when it comes to their children's digital access. They should not only act as role models and reflect on media use themselves, but also set clear rules and offer structure. This includes determining media usage times and content. Helpful tools such as child protection filters or programs such as Google Family Link can help you keep track.

Von Weiler also suggests that children should not have unlimited access to the digital world until they are 14 years old at the earliest. She recommends an age limit of 16 for social media so as not to place additional strain on the often difficult challenges of puberty. “Parents must be aware of their responsibility and actively support everyday digital life,” she emphasizes.

In order to ensure safety for children on the Internet, providers of digital content should also be held more accountable by law. It is important to find a balance: digital media should be part of life, but to a healthy extent. As in the report of Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth As explained above, solid media competence is one of the best preventions against the dangers on the Internet.

Overall, it is very important that children grow up in a community that helps them shape the digital world responsibly. The focus should always be on promoting media literacy so that the younger generations can meet the challenges of the future.