Cybersecurity MonitorMajority of children & Young people exposed to online dangers

Those who talk to their child about IT security and dangers on the internet most frequently discuss cybergrooming, i.e. dealing with contact requests from strangers (51% of parents in the case of children aged between 6 and 13; 53% of parents in the case of children aged between 14 and 17). Measures to protect against cybercrime, such as securing their own accounts and recognizing online fraud, are mentioned less frequently (31% and 26% of parents in the case of children aged between 6 and 13; 41% of parents in the case of children aged between 14 and 17).

Over a third of parents (37% in the case of children aged between 6 and 13; 43% in the case of children aged between 14 and 17) have also reported experiencing dangerous scenarios. These most frequently include cyberbullying, e.g. in social networks or chat groups, as well as inappropriate content, including violence, pornography or racism.

The BSI would like to strengthen parents in their role as role models and mediators: In the online information service for parents, they can find low-threshold recommendations for action, such as tips for everyday digital family life. The BSI also provides a multimedia information service for teachers, including ready-to-use teaching materials.

The Police Crime Prevention Unit (ProPK) also supports parents in everyday digital family life: in two handouts, both teachers and parents can find tips on safety in everyday media life. ProPK also provides information on the prevention of cybergrooming for primary school teachers and parents. The BSI and ProPK websites also contain the short report and the presentation of the results of the focus topic "Digital everyday family life" for the Cybersecurity Monitor 2025.

ProPK will accompany the publication from August 18 with a theme week on www.polizei-beratung.de and the social media channels of the Civilian Heroes on Instagram, Facebook and X.

The entire Cybersecurity Monitor 2025 and the accompanying checklists with tips on how to deal with online threats are available on the BSI and ProPK websites.