News Overview

For many years, some video game developers have relied on manipulative systems to encourage players to spend money. This manipulation also affects particularly vulnerable groups, such as children and adolescents. The coalition of European consumer protection organizations now aims to put an end to these practices. We explain exactly what is planned and how we can already educate children and adolescents today about manipulation and cost traps in games.

In November 2026, the sixth installment of the globally popular video game series Grand Theft Auto (GTA)—long-awaited by fans—will be released. Significant hype has built up online surrounding the game’s release. As a result, even children and teenagers are familiar with GTA VI. Starting in November at the latest, many of them will come into contact with content from the game. However, with its graphic depictions of violence, drug use, and sexual content, the game is clearly intended for adults. We explain what’s behind GTA VI, why the game is getting so much attention, and what parents should know about it.

With its Strategy for a Better Internet for Children (BIK+), the European Union set goals and measures in 2022 to strengthen the safety, digital participation, and voice of children and young people online. Now, an assessment is underway to determine how the strategy is working in practice and where it should be further developed. To this end, children and adolescents, parents and caregivers, as well as teachers and educators, can participate in an online survey through October 9 and share their experiences.

Children and adolescents are to be better protected online—that is the goal of the so-called EU KIDS Act. To this end, the European Commission plans, among other things, to introduce common age restrictions for social media platforms across the entire EU. As a result, individuals under the age of 13 will generally no longer be allowed to have their own social media accounts. In addition, social media platforms, video platforms, games, app stores, and AI chatbots are to be made safer in the future. We explain exactly what the proposed legislation entails and what might change for children and teens in the future.

More than 65,000 students in grades five through eight took part in our klicksafe class today. For the first time, the streaming event was held in cooperation with Aktion Mensch and Nummer gegen Kummer e.V. and translated live into German Sign Language. This is because cyberbullying is a problem that affects many young people. People with disabilities are particularly affected.

For many children and teens, Spotify is a natural part of their everyday media lives. But the platform has long offered more than just music streaming: podcasts, audiobooks, videos, and social features are now also part of its offerings. As a result, young users may come into contact with problematic content and unknown individuals. What risks are there on Spotify, and what should parents be aware of? Parents can find answers in our new klicksafe section. There, they’ll also find practical tips on how to guide their children in using Spotify safely.

How can the protection of children and youth keep pace with a digital world that is constantly changing? The expert commission “Protection of Children and Youth in the Digital World” has been addressing this question since September 2025. It has now presented its final report. In it, the experts outline 56 evidence-based recommendations for the contemporary protection of children and adolescents in the digital space. The perspectives of children and adolescents—such as those from the klicksafe Youth Panel—have also been incorporated into the recommendations.

Unfortunately, alongside all the beautiful, interesting, and funny content on social media, there is also often problematic content. For people who are in the midst of an acute crisis or at risk of suicide, such content can be particularly distressing and, under certain circumstances, dangerous. For example, when it reinforces a negative view of one’s own situation, condones suicide, or contains instructions on how to take one’s own life. klicksafe explains why social media algorithms can contribute to such content being displayed more frequently and how we can support those affected.

How can young people make the internet safer and fairer? Which digital developments are of particular concern to them, and what solutions do they need? From August 16 to 20, 2026, young people from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Germany explored these questions at the first International Safer Internet Summer Camp in Lithuania. Kimberly, Paul, and Jaron from the klicksafe Youth Panel were also in attendance.

With the start of the new school year, many children and teens are facing a new daily routine: new classes, new friendships, and new conflicts. Especially at the start of the school year, it’s worth taking a look at how schools, parents, and teens can identify problems early on and respond in a timely manner. During September’s “Back-to-School” campaign month, we’re supporting schools and parents with a comprehensive selection of up-to-date and practical resources on digital challenges.

Millions of children and teens play on Roblox every day. But what exactly is behind this gaming platform, what risks are involved, and how can parents guide their children as they use it? Our new section on Roblox explains what parents should know about the platform and brings together important information and tips—from age ratings and potential risks to security settings and parental controls.

What can teens, parents, and teachers do to combat cyberbullying? The EU campaign #NotOnOurFeed will offer answers and practical support in the coming weeks—with resources and webinars for parents and teachers, as well as a contest for teens. The campaign is backed by the EU initiative “Better Internet for Kids” (BIK), which, in collaboration with the European Insafe network, is calling for action against cyberbullying from August 24 through September 25, 2026. The campaign supports the implementation of a current EU action plan against cyberbullying.

In recent years, various online communities have formed on the internet that glorify violence and serious crimes. There have also been cases of violence against people or animals that can be traced back to such online groups and their influence. These groups can pose a particular danger to vulnerable children and adolescents. Children and adolescents may be manipulated, blackmailed, or pressured into engaging in harmful behavior. In this article, we explain what this phenomenon is all about, what warning signs to look for, and how parents and educators can support affected children and adolescents.

What game is my child actually playing right now? What happens in it? And who are they playing with online? If you want to support your child while they’re gaming, you don’t necessarily have to become a gaming pro yourself. A genuine interest, open conversations, and some basic information can already help you better understand this hobby and assess the risks. The revised klicksafe brochure “What Is My Child Actually Playing? Digital Games—Tips for Parents” offers parents guidance and practical tips for a safe and mindful approach to gaming.

In some federal states, the new school year has already begun; in others, it is about to start. To mark the start of the school year, klicksafe is providing an overview of resources that teachers can use to incorporate the topic of media literacy into their lessons. Topics include cybergrooming, rules for class chats, and digital well-being. In addition, teachers have the opportunity to register their classes for the klicksafe lesson on September 17, titled “Bullied Online. Hurt in Real Life. Together Against Cyberbullying!”