Why children often unknowingly commit crimes on WhatsApp!

Why children often unknowingly commit crimes on WhatsApp!

Yesterday's information day in Miehlen focused on an important topic: how children and young people use digital media. Loud Rhine newspaper Apps like WhatsApp are particularly popular among young people, but many minors are not aware that they may be committing crimes when using such platforms. Experts explained how parents and professionals can support responsible use of media.

Astonishing statistics show that 13-year-olds in Germany already have access to the Internet and 81 percent of 12 to 13-year-olds have their own smartphone. These figures are alarming, especially when you consider that media use is now part of everyday life for children and young people. But what exactly does this mean for media literacy? The Federal Ministry of Youth emphasizes that it is essential to teach children and young people how to use media independently and responsibly so that they can navigate safely through the digital world.

Promote media literacy

Nowadays it is extremely important to strengthen media skills at an early age. One of the central initiatives in Germany is “Growing up well with media”, which creates a contact point for media education. Parents and specialists receive support and advice there to advance media education. The project also offers a variety of resources to promote the meaningful use of media.

There is also the “SCHAU HIN!” initiative, which was created in 2003 to provide parents and carers with valuable information about digital media. This includes recommendations for using TV, internet and social networks as well as the option to receive support via live chat.

Risks and opportunities of digital media

But where there is light, there is also shadow. The “JIM 2022” study by the Media Education Research Association shows that 95 percent of young people between the ages of 12 and 19 use the Internet every day. While popular platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube promote social connections, they also pose risks. Young users can not only be incited to engage in risky behavior through so-called “challenges”, but can also end up in dangerous situations. An example of this is the infamous Blackout Challenge, which has already led to tragic deaths.

9 percent of 9- to 16-year-olds said they had been incited to engage in risky behavior online. This highlights the need to train not only children and young people, but also their parents in media education. Schools must educate people about how to use the Internet and point out the dangers and opportunities of the digital space.

As part of this discussion, platform operators are also responsible for implementing appropriate age checks and protection mechanisms to protect their users from harmful content. A comprehensive approach that includes all stakeholders—youth users, parents, schools and platform operators—is essential.

Overall, the information day in Miehlen makes it clear that there are both opportunities and risks when dealing with digital media, and that a joint effort is needed to ensure that children and young people grow up safely in this world.