#ChildrenAreNotContentBe careful when posting photos of children online!
Ludwigshafen, June 15, 2026 – “Oh, how cute!” – people who post pictures of their children usually receive positive reactions and lots of likes on social media. “Sharenting” describes the phenomenon of parents publicly sharing pictures of their children. The term is a combination of the English words “to share” and “parenting.” It usually stems from the desire to let others share in the beautiful or special moments of everyday family life.
However, handling photos of children online in a sensitive and responsible manner is becoming increasingly important, as the risk of abuse is growing due to AI programs. Photos of children are misused for purposes such as fraud, extortion, and the creation of sexualized images. Anyone who publishes photos of children must be aware that this can have undesirable long-term consequences for the child—the internet never forgets.
With the #KinderSindKeinContent campaign week from June 15 to 21, 2026, klicksafe, together with SCHAU HIN! and many partners, raise awareness among parents, other family members, and caregivers about the conscious and responsible handling of images of children. Both initiatives provide concrete tips, offer clear guidance, and regularly share information on social media channels. On the campaign week’s landing page, klicksafe has compiled educational videos, webinar offerings, and concise materials for parents and other caregivers.
In line with the theme, klicksafe is publishing a brochure with a checklist designed to help parents carefully consider their decisions before posting and better assess the risks. The campaign is further complemented by a webinar hosted by the German Safer Internet Centre on June 25 from 2:00–3:30 p.m., as well as by the offerings and materials from numerous partner initiatives, institutions, and projects dedicated to protecting children online.
Experts from klicksafe and SCHAU HIN! comment on the campaign’s goals:
“Children need safe spaces for their development—both offline and online. When photos or videos of children are published online, we are encroaching on their privacy and their future digital identity. The #KinderSindKeinContent campaign week makes it clear: Children are not a reach strategy and not content, but independent individuals with their own rights and are entitled to protection and respect,” says Deborah Woldemichael, klicksafe team leader at the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority.
Dr. Iren Schulz, a media educator with a Ph.D. and SCHAU HIN! media coach: “Every day, photos of children are shared online—often with pride and the best of intentions. Yet many are unaware that not only revealing photos, but also everyday pictures from the playground or a family outing can fall into the wrong hands and be used for abusive purposes. Once something is online, it’s almost impossible to control. Precisely because digital media have long been part of everyday family life, parents and caregivers must be aware of the risks and actively advocate for their children’s protection. The #KinderSindKeinContent campaign week addresses this very issue: it raises awareness and provides concrete guidance."
Follow or participate in the campaign week on social media using #KinderSindKeinContent
klicksafe:
- https://www.instagram.com/klicksafe
- https://www.facebook.com/klicksafe
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/klicksafe
SCHAU HIN!:
- https://www.instagram.com/initiative_schau_hin
- https://www.facebook.com/schauhin
- https://www.tiktok.com/@initiative_schau_hin
For more information, please visit the following link:
Press Contact
Susanne Wohmann
Press Officer, klicksafe
Landline: +49 621 52 02 -212
Mobile: +49 152 22577620
Email: wohmann☞ Please insert an @ here ☜medienanstalt-rlp☞ Please insert a dot here ☜de
www.klicksafe.de/presse
About klicksafe
klicksafe is the European Union’s German media literacy initiative aimed at promoting online safety. In Germany, klicksafe is implemented by the Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority in cooperation with the Federal Center for the Protection of Children and Youth in the Media (BzKJ). Through a wide range of resources, klicksafe supports the confident and critical use of digital media. At klicksafe.de, educators, parents, and interested users can find up-to-date information and materials.
klicksafe is politically and economically independent and a member of the “Safer Internet DE” network (saferinternet.de). In addition to klicksafe as an Awareness Center, this network includes the hotlines internet-beschwerdestelle.de (operated by eco and FSM) and jugendschutz.net, as well as the “Nummer gegen Kummer” helpline.
About SCHAU HIN!
“TAKE A CLOSER LOOK! What Your Child Is Doing with Media” is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth, ZDF, and AOK – Die Gesundheitskasse. Since 2003, this media guide for families has been helping parents and caregivers empower their children in their use of media.