Largest Nationwide Online Classroom Session: Over 65,000 Students Take a Stand Against CyberbullyingThe "klicksafe" classroom session, in partnership with Aktion Mensch and Nummer gegen Kummer e.V., raises awareness about respectful online interaction

Ludwigshafen, September 17, 2026 | An embarrassing photo, a hurtful comment—for those affected, this can turn into a nightmare: 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 from all parts of Germany* who participated this morning in the klicksafe school lesson under the motto “Bullied online. Hurt in real life. Together against cyberbullying!” A total of 2,194 school classes in grades five through eight tuned in to the interactive, inclusive streaming session to understand, discuss, and reflect on the mechanisms and far-reaching effects of digital harassment. Together with subject matter experts, the participants developed concrete strategies for recognizing cyberbullying, supporting those affected, and contributing to respectful online interactions. Also participating was “Germany’s Next Topmodel” finalist Tony Eberhardt, who shared personal insights into his experiences with bullying.

For the first time, the klicksafe school lesson was conducted in cooperation with Aktion Mensch and Nummer gegen Kummer e.V. and translated into German Sign Language. For Christina Marx, spokesperson for Aktion Mensch, addressing cyberbullying is also a matter of inclusion and participation: “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. Respectful coexistence and equal participation must be learned and practiced from the very beginning.” Protection and support are also important for those affected. Through Nummer gegen Kummer, the klicksafe school lesson was supplemented with an immediate support service for all participating students.

Students agree: cyberbullying is a serious problem.

What often begins with seemingly harmless comments can quickly escalate and have far-reaching consequences for those affected. This is confirmed by another finding from the survey of 65,820 students conducted as part of the event. Alarming: Only just under half know how to help those affected.

The record turnout highlights 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, it is clear that young people need more strategies for taking action and support services to break the cycle of bullying. “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 also knows how important it is to recognize and intervene. He himself was affected for many years due to his hearing impairment: “If my story helps even one child find the courage to talk about it, prompts a teacher to take a closer look, encourages parents to act sooner, or sparks political change, then everything I’ve been through has a purpose today.”

Chioma Alukuma, a counselor at Nummer gegen Kummer and an expert in the klicksafe classroom session, explains: “If you experience or witness cyberbullying, it’s important not to keep it to yourself. Sometimes you just don’t know what to do or how to help. But even if you’ve hurt someone yourself or participated in the bullying, you can make a difference and take responsibility. I think it’s important for everyone to know: You can get help and talk to someone about it.”

Cyberbullying Doesn’t Stop with the School Lesson: Resources for Educational Practice

To ensure the topic remains firmly embedded in the classroom—and thus in everyday life—beyond the klicksafe lesson, teachers and educational professionals are provided with comprehensive supporting materials. The practical classroom projects show students how to recognize bullying early on, demonstrate moral courage, and contribute to respectful interactions as a class community. At the same time, working with these materials is also intended to strengthen young people’s media literacy. All materials are written in simple language and designed to be accessible, making the content available to as many students as possible.

More Voices on the klicksafe Classroom Session

Deborah Woldemichael, Head of klicksafe at the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority: “Respectful coexistence doesn’t happen on its own; it requires attention, a strong stance, and courage. We are all part of the solution to effectively stop cyberbullying!”

Christina Marx, spokesperson for Aktion Mensch: “A future for our society that offers equal opportunities is both our goal and our driving force. As the largest non-governmental funding organization in child and youth welfare, we have been working resolutely on behalf of young people together with our funded projects for over 20 years.”

Anna Zacharias, Executive Director and Head of Press and Public Relations at Nummer gegen Kummer e.V., added: “As an anonymous counseling service, we’re often the first people young people confide in. During counseling, they experience being taken seriously. This forms the foundation for working together to determine the next steps.”

Additional Information and Images

• * As part of the klicksafe classroom session on September 17, 2026, a live survey was conducted among students participating digitally. Over 20,000 votes were cast. Students were able to participate in the survey once, voluntarily, and without providing any personal data by scanning a QR code. The results were aggregated and displayed as percentages in real time during the class session. Note: The survey is not representative of students in the corresponding age group in Germany.
• The klicksafe school lesson has firmly established itself as an interactive educational program. Each episode focuses on a relevant topic. Whether it’s online hate, fake news, or deepfakes and AI: young people are made more aware and empowered to navigate the internet safely, responsibly, and with confidence. The latest klicksafe classroom session was recorded at Media:TURM in Ludwigshafen and is part of the Back-to-School campaign month, which this year also focuses on the topic of cyberbullying: www.klicksafe.de/klicksafe-schulstunde and www.klicksafe.de/back-to-school.
• For more information on Aktion Mensch’s efforts to combat bullying and on the counseling services offered by Nummer gegen Kummer, visit www.aktion-mensch.de/mobbing and www.nummergegenkummer.de.
• You can find images in our press kit at Press - klicksafe.de .