News Overview 2026

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!”

The new transparency requirements of the European AI Act have been in effect since August 2, 2026. They establish binding guidelines for handling certain AI-generated content. Contrary to popular belief, however, not every AI-generated image, video, or text will automatically have to be labeled with a visible notice in the future. Instead, the regulations vary depending on the type of content and who develops or uses the AI. We explain the implications of the new transparency requirements and what users need to be aware of.

“But everyone else has one, too!”—Parents are probably all too familiar with this argument. But at what age should children get their first cell phone? Many parents use the transition from elementary school to middle school as an opportunity to give their children their own smartphone. How can parents tell if their child is ready for a smartphone? And is a smartwatch a good alternative? We answer the most important questions parents have about “smartphones in children’s hands.”

Computers, tablets and smartphones are usually used more intensively than usual during the vacations. However, this doesn't have to be a negative thing, as you can also work creatively with these devices. Which camera setting is the right one? How do you edit radio plays? And how do you animate games? With the right tools and information pages, children can quickly learn the most important tricks for working creatively with media. This makes the supposedly boring vacation time fly by. This not only offers added value for their own media experience. It also enables an informed and critical examination of media content. klicksafe presents recommended offers.

The number of cases of sexual violence against children in Germany has risen again. The most significant increase is seen in offenses involving no physical contact. These include, for example, cases of cybergrooming and sexual violence against children in messaging apps or video chats. This is according to the “Federal Overview of Sexual Offenses Against Children and Adolescents 2025,” published today by the Federal Criminal Police Office. We explain the dangers that exist online and provide you with appropriate resources to help protect children and adolescents.

First a good mood, then a guilty conscience: That’s how many young people describe scrolling through their social media feeds in the new JIMplus study. Three out of four young people say that social media distracts them from things they should actually be doing. And half of the 14- to 17-year-old respondents said that their media use leaves them with no time for rest and leisure activities. On the other hand, for 82 percent, these platforms provide important access to knowledge, and about half of the respondents reported feeling understood there. The latest JIMplus Study 2026 by the Media Education Research Network Southwest (mpfs) shows how adolescents experience the opportunities and stresses of digital media and what impact this has on their digital well-being.

The Special Committee on Children’s Online Safety, established by President von der Leyen, has published its report. The Special Committee was tasked with developing recommendations for ensuring that children and adolescents use the internet safely. Not least, the discussions about possible social media bans in Germany and other EU countries were certainly a reason why uniform European rules are now to be developed. We provide an overview of what the report says and whether a social media ban in Europe has now become more likely.

For several weeks now, false reports about the Vinted platform have been circulating on social media. It is alleged that child trafficking is taking place on the popular sales platform. Some videos related to these false reports have been viewed millions of times. Naturally, children and teens who use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are also coming into contact with this disturbing content. We explain why such false reports spread so quickly and how we can help children and teens make sense of them.