Youth protection in danger: Minister Drese calls for an end to loot boxes!

Youth protection in danger: Minister Drese calls for an end to loot boxes!

What's going on in the gaming world? Today, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Social Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD) found clear words during her visit to the industry's largest trade fair, Gamescom in Cologne. The politician calls for more protection of minors in the area of ​​computer and video games. The focus is on the topic of loot boxes – the digital surprise boxes that captivate many young players.

Drese warns urgently that young people could fall into debt by buying loot boxes. Although these virtual treasure chests offer possible advantages in the game, it is not clear what content is actually included when purchasing them. This is similar to the mechanisms of gambling, which the Lower Saxony Consumer Center also confirmed and classifies the problem as an increased risk of gambling addiction. According to a study by the University of Graz, over 40% of 10 to 19 year olds spend money on video games, which is causing concern among parents.

Dangers from loot boxes

Drese announced that he would launch a Federal Council initiative at the end of September. This initiative could bring significant change: Among other things, it calls for an obligation to disclose content and winning probabilities. Warnings about the dangers of gambling and the integration of topics about digital games into school curricula are also under discussion.

As the Lower Saxony Consumer Center reports, loot boxes are not only expensive fun, but can also promote uncontrolled purchasing behavior. Children and young people often hope for sought-after content that will give them an advantage in the game. Due to the use of random generators, the actual value of a loot box remains uncertain. Many small purchases often add up to significant amounts.

Protection of minors in the digital age

The situation highlights the current need for action in youth media protection. Experts point out that the legal basis in the Youth Protection Act (JuSchG) and the Youth Media Protection State Treaty (JMStV) must be modernized in order to meet the needs of children and young people. Age ratings in particular are a common topic among parents, with uncertainty about the content of games like “Fortnite” being addressed.

Underage players often feel more competent than the adults protecting them and therefore desire more transparency and self-determination. These challenges require a rethink and stronger regulation of online games.

In other countries, such as Belgium, loot boxes are already banned entirely, while stricter regulations are being worked on in the Netherlands and Spain. The European Commission has also raised its voice and is calling for better protection for minors from paid loot boxes. The demands in Germany seem anything but absurd.

Youth media protection must urgently be adapted to digital reality so that children and young people can continue to use digital media safely and responsibly in the future. Schools and parents are required to provide information early on about the content and dangers of digital games - because there is still a lot going on here.

It remains to be seen how the politician's initiatives and the recommendations of experts will ultimately play out. However, one thing is certain: protecting our youngest children in the digital space must be a priority.