Cyber ​​risks for children: Latest study illuminates danger online!

Cyber ​​risks for children: Latest study illuminates danger online!

In an increasingly digital world, children and adolescents not only see opportunities, but also considerable risks. The sub-research project "Security for Children in the Digital World" (Sikid Psychology) at the Technical University of Berlin specifically examines the risks of online interaction. In particular, the topics of cyberbullying, online hatspenspepech, non-mutual sexting and cyber grooming are in focus, since these dangers often arise spontaneously and are particularly difficult to predict. According to Tu Berlin , research shows that many young people have difficulties to recognize dangerous interactions or to react adequately to it.

The results of a new book that deals with the risks of cyberbullying, hate pecher, sexting and cyber grooming from a psychological point of view offer a comprehensive overview of the distribution and consequences of these topics in different age groups. Children between the ages of 6 and 10, for example, can already be affected by cyber grooming, while the risk of cyberbullying increases significantly in 11- to 14-year-olds. Young people between the ages of 15 and 18 are also confronted with phenomena such as non-mutual sexting and online Hatespepech.

prevention programs and educational approaches

With regard to prevention, the combination of protection, qualification and participation in media use is crucial. The new educational program "Fairnetz: stand for each other instead of watching", developed by Felix Paschel and Dr. Jan Pfetsch, aims to motivate young people as bytans, actively intervene and promote prosocial values. The program is aimed at 11 to 17 year olds and can be used in schools and youth facilities. Teachers and social workers receive free access to practice -oriented materials and exercises.

like consumer education is particularly attractive for children and adolescents, which also increases the dangers such as cyberbullying. The prevention and intervention concepts at schools have to be focused more on to effectively address these problems. Cyberbullying is defined as a harassment via digital media over a longer period of time, although even individual incidents can have massive effects. Scientifically well -founded approaches to prevention are essential to help the young people concerned.

hate speech and online violence

The spread of hate speech is a serious problem on social media. According to an analysis of PMC there is a direct connection between online hatred and real violence, as the Christchurch-attacks illustrate. Hate Speech is not only an expression of cyberbullying, but also a phenomenon that discriminates against social groups. The differentiation between cyberbullying and HATE Speech is difficult for many students, since both are perceived as hateful behavior. The training in dealing with such content must be a central component of educational programs.