klicksafe classroom lesson on the topicBullied online. Hurt in real life. Let's stand together against cyberbullying!

Cyberbullying is not just a harmless online argument, but a serious problem with far-reaching consequences. This is also confirmed by the results of a survey of 65,820 students conducted as part of the klicksafe classroom session. A total of 2,194 school classes in grades five through eight joined our interactive, inclusive streaming session to understand, discuss, and reflect on the mechanisms and far-reaching effects of digital harassment. “Cyberbullying is a problem that affects far too many young people—and even more so young people with disabilities. As a society, we can no longer tolerate this,” explains Christina Marx, spokesperson for Aktion Mensch.

The record turnout underscores the urgent need for education and prevention efforts to raise awareness among children and adolescents about the risks of digital violence at an early stage and to strengthen their media literacy. At the same time, the survey of participating students revealed that young people need more strategies for taking action and more support services to break the cycle of bullying. One finding from the survey: Only just under half of the participants knew how they could concretely help those affected. “Even small actions can make a difference and create an environment where respect, solidarity, and moral courage are stronger than exclusion. Everyone can take responsibility here. Those who pay attention and take action break the cycle that fuels cyberbullying,” explains Deborah Woldemichael, director of klicksafe at the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority.

Model, speaker, and content creator Tony Eberhardt was himself a victim of bullying for many years due to his hearing impairment and spoke powerfully about his experiences during the klicksafe class: “If my story helps even one child find the courage to talk about it, one teacher to take a closer look, parents to act sooner, or political changes to be initiated, then everything I’ve been through has a purpose today.”

Prof. Dr. Thomas-Gabriel Rüdiger analyzed the topic from a criminological perspective and explained to the students the consequences cyberbullying can have for the perpetrators. Chioma Alukuma, a counselor at Nummer gegen Kummer e.V., offered helpful advice to the participating students during the virtual class: “I think it’s important for everyone to know: You can get help and talk to someone about it.” Through her description of the work done at the helpline for children and adolescents, she succeeded in breaking down barriers.

This time, the klicksafe class was organized in cooperation with Aktion Mensch and Nummer gegen Kummer. For the first time, the entire class was translated into German Sign Language with the support of Aktion Mensch. Nummer gegen Kummer also supplemented the klicksafe class with an immediate offer of help for all participating students.

Click here for the joint press release dated September 17, 2026.