German child groups address digital media impacts and residential care conditions

On 10 June 2026 the Association of German Family Organisations (AGF) convened its members to examine how digital media affect children and young people. Participants discussed opportunities for digital participation in education and social life, as well as risks such as addiction, harmful content, data‑privacy concerns and digital violence. They emphasized the role of families in balancing empowerment with protection, calling for stronger digital literacy programmes, counselling services and age‑appropriate platform regulations.

On 4 March 2026 Stefan Wedermann, managing director of IGfH, presented the organisation’s expertise at the fourth networking meeting of the German Bundestag’s Children Commission. The briefing focused on the living conditions of young people in residential care, addressing well‑being, participation rights, education opportunities, the transition to independent life and the need for reliable professional support. IGfH proposed policy measures to strengthen self‑organisation, ombudsman services and child‑rights‑based infrastructure for institutional care.