Strict age controls required: protection against cybergrooming now!

Strict age controls required: protection against cybergrooming now!

At a time when children and young people are increasingly exposed to digital media, it is becoming increasingly important to offer them a safe space. Kerstin Claus, the Federal Government's independent commissioner for child sexual abuse, expresses herself clearly and decisively: Strict age controls are needed on the Internet and in social media. “Young people need safe spaces to grow up in a protected digital environment,” she explains. Current circumstances allow adults unrestricted access to children in online games, which can potentially lead to sexual initiation, which is why child and youth protection in the digital space must be given the highest priority, as meine-kirchenzeitung.de reports.

The dangers on the Internet are complex. Many children and young people are exposed to unfiltered, stressful content on social media. Four and five year olds are often already confronted with the possibilities of the Internet. Cybergrooming, i.e. the targeted targeting of minors on the Internet to initiate sexual contacts, is a serious threat. This crime is used by perpetrators to build a trusting relationship with children in order to then manipulate them into sexual acts, both digitally and analogously. This is already widespread on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and WhatsApp, as [ Commissioned-misuse.de](https:// Commissioned-misuse.de/themen/definition/sexual-violent-im-internet) emphasizes.

An alarming development

Despite these dangers, many parents are unaware of their children's online activities and the risks associated with them. Technical solutions alone do not strengthen the protection of children. Parents’ commitment is required here. They must actively inform and educate themselves about their children's online behavior. The role of teachers and educational professionals also plays an important role in protecting against cybergrooming and preventing digital violence.

Prevention is key

A survey by the NRW State Media Authority from 2024 shows frightening figures: 25% of kids and teens between the ages of 8 and 17 have already reported experiences with cybergrooming. Of these, 16% said they had been asked to attend real meetings and 10% were invited to send revealing images or videos. These developments make it clear that education and preventive measures are needed more than ever. The teaching series “Together against Cybergrooming” was developed in collaboration with the Child Protection Association and Police Crime Prevention and includes seven lessons to sensitize students to internet dangers. Further materials such as letters to parents and checklists are available to support both teachers and parents in their efforts, as internet-abc.de informs.

The message is clear: we must act together to ensure the safety of our children in the digital space. It is up to all of us to take the necessary steps to create a safe and secure online world.