Expert commission releases report on digital child and youth protection

An independent expert commission has released its final report on “Child and Youth Protection in the Digital World,” offering 56 recommendations to address digital safety.

The Bundeselternrat (Federal Parents' Council) has welcomed the report, emphasizing that protection, empowerment, and participation must be linked. Norman Heise, chairman of the Bundeselternrat, stated that responsibility should not be placed solely on children, youth, or parents. He argued that parents cannot compensate for unsafe platforms, insufficient media education, or a lack of support on their own.

The council’s position calls for a network of support including schools, youth centers, libraries, and family education centers. Key recommendations include early media literacy training, low-threshold reporting options, and improved digital risk training for teachers. Additionally, the council suggests that regular pediatric check-ups could serve as an opportunity to provide families with age-appropriate information regarding digital media risks and support services.

Bitkom has also commented on the commission's findings regarding the necessity of robust digital protection frameworks.