News Overview

The Data Protection Media Award (DAME) 2025 was presented at the BvD Association Days 2026 in Berlin. This is the ninth time that journalistic and creative contributions that communicate data protection topics in an innovative, understandable and media-effective way have been honored. In doing so, they make a contribution to the secure handling of personal data. The DAME Award was established by the Professional Association of Data Protection Officers in Germany (BvD). We present the winning entries.

Babies and toddlers are an integral part of many so-called family influencing accounts. This refers to influencers who share their everyday family life while pursuing commercial interests. A new study has now been published that systematically examines for the first time how children up to the age of five are portrayed in such monetized profiles on social media platforms. The study was conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute and supported by five state media authorities with third-party funding.

Digital games offer entertainment for the whole family and at the same time promote creativity as well as social and communication skills. However, as with any other medium, there are aspects that parents should pay attention to in order to enable their children to play games safely and responsibly. In order to better support parents in this complex media world, the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) has developed a parents' guide in cooperation with the Digital Games Culture Foundation. This is now available in German, Turkish, Arabic and English.

This week, the "Independent Expert Commission for the Protection of Children and Young People in the Digital World" published an initial review. The aim is to create an evidence-based foundation for concrete recommendations for action. The publication of these recommendations for action is planned for the end of June 2026. Back in February, two members of our klicksafe Youth Panel were invited by the expert commission to contribute the perspective of young people to the discussion. After all, children and young people must not only be protected, but also heard. In this article, you can find out which points our Youth Panel highlighted in particular and how our young advisory board members assess the expert commission's survey.

Many children come into contact with artificial intelligence (AI) as early as primary school age. Be it through voice assistants, learning apps or initial experiences with chatbots. Children often use these technologies as a matter of course without understanding exactly how they work. We have compiled numerous resources for parents that provide children with age-appropriate information on the new technology of artificial intelligence. We also provide tips on how parents can support their children in dealing with AI.

Cyberbullying has been a part of the lives of children and young people for many years. Educational work is essential to prevent cyberbullying. It teaches children to put themselves in the shoes of others and to empathize with the consequences of bullying for those affected. Ideally, they also learn about the legal principles and rules of conduct in our society. This teaches them about the serious consequences that insults and threats can have for the perpetrators. This is exactly what our new online game "Stop bullying! Kimi case", which is now available free of charge.

Whether in class chats, on social media or when searching for information - children leave data traces, just like adults. Because media literacy begins with an understanding of one's own data, the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) is now providing free, age-appropriate materials for grades 4 to 7 in the new "What is data protection?" series of lessons.

More and more young people are using social media to find out about political issues. Unfortunately, they also find right-wing extremist content there time and again. Right-wing extremists are also active on gaming platforms such as Steam or Discord. They specifically target children and young people and try to influence them. With our new material in plain language, we give parents tips on how they can protect their children. In addition, all other klicksafe content in plain language is now easier to find in our material system.

The Easter holidays are just around the corner. Many families use the free time for outings and media time together. Many young children also come into contact with screen media in the family circle. It is important to take a closer look at what content young children are consuming on tablets and the like. YouTube in particular is not suitable for children. What should parents look out for when young children or even babies are consuming video content? What alternatives are there to YouTube? We provide information about the risks and important tips.

What happens when AI systems are increasingly used as advisors, take on social roles or even replace human relationships? Our three new short videos show deliberately exaggerated scenarios about relationships with AI companions that are suitable for raising awareness and starting discussions. The AI-generated video clips are part of our campaign "AI and me. In an artificial relationship". In line with the topic, we offer materials to educate educational professionals, parents and young people.

The case of Collien Fernandes is currently on everyone's lips. The actress and presenter has made it public that she has been the victim of digital sexual violence. Since then, there has been much debate in Germany about the extent of the problem and whether the current laws are sufficient to tackle it. In our article, we provide basic information on the phenomenon of image-based sexual violence and point out options for action for those affected.

More and more young people are turning to influencers to find out about current affairs. But what is really important and who decides? The browser-based media literacy game "Newsmakers" from planet schule is about how journalists select news. The free educational game and teaching materials are suitable for pupils from Year 8 upwards. A smartphone, tablet or PC is required. The game can be played without installing an app.

A recent survey commissioned by WDR shows that the majority of pupils in Germany use class chats. Information about school is usually exchanged in these messenger groups. Unfortunately, it happens again and again that students send inappropriate or even criminal content there. The students surveyed also reported bullying and exclusion. We summarize the findings that can be derived from the survey results. And we provide schools with materials that can be used to minimize negative experiences in class chat.

ChatGPT is one of the most widely used chatbot applications. Children and young people also regularly use the chatbot from OpenAI. According to the latest JIM study, it is the undisputed leader to date: 84% of the young people surveyed between the ages of 12 and 19 already use the AI chat program regularly. OpenAI recently announced that there will now be options for parental controls in ChatGPT. We have taken a closer look at the new safety feature and explain what setting options parents now have.

Disturbing images and videos of devastation, suffering and violence regularly dominate the news. The recurring war in the Middle East or the ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine can be very distressing for children and young people. Such content can frighten and overwhelm young people. They therefore need support in dealing with war reporting.