New primary school material on cybergrooming published

More and more children are affected by cybergrooming on the internet. This involves minors being specifically contacted in preparation for sexual abuse. According to a recent survey, an average of two to three children in primary school classes are already affected. These figures clearly show that prevention work must start with the youngest children. Today sees the launch of a new initiative by the Kinderschutzbund, the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority and the police. It aims to empower parents and teachers to educate primary school children about cybergrooming and protect them.

Recognizing online risks: How teachers, parents and children can become fit to deal with cybergrooming

A recent survey by the Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia shows once again that, unfortunately, even very young children of primary school age are affected by cybergrooming. A key aim of the new campaign is therefore to promote media literacy among younger children in the long term. They should learn to navigate the digital space safely. Teachers and parents should be active companions and contact persons to whom children can turn if they have questions or difficulties.

In order to achieve this, the Internet ABC association, the Child Protection Association and the state and federal police crime prevention agencies have launched a comprehensive prevention project to protect children from cybergrooming. klicksafe (under the responsibility of the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority) acted in an advisory capacity. The project will initially run for two years. This commitment is made possible by the Lotto Foundation, which is providing the proceeds from the "Kinderglück" collection for funding.

What services are available to children, parents and teachers as part of the project?

At the start of the new school year, almost 1000 elementary school in Rhineland-Palatinate will receive material packages with checklists, instructions, games and expert tips. Information and training events for teachers, caregivers and parents are also planned for this year. From 2026, a six-day training series will be launched to provide comprehensive knowledge about online risks and enable professionals to pass this knowledge on to parents. In addition, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Child Protection Association is planning a play for pupils in grades 5 to 7.

The teaching material is available immediately and can also be ordered by all schools throughout Germany in the klicksafe material system.