Demands of the klicksafe Youth Panel
In several surveys and workshops, the Youth Panel discussed what it would like to see so that young people can be safer, better and more self-determined online. This has resulted in concrete demands that are aimed at adults (e.g. parents, teachers), institutions, platform providers and political players. The Youth Panel members say quite clearly: We want to have our say when it comes to what we see and experience online! We want to have our say when it comes to what we need!
We want to be online - but safely!
- Against the "pull"!
Apps and online games are often designed to keep us hooked for as long as possible (including through so-called "dark patterns"). It is therefore not so easy to simply put down your cell phone . Even if you try to regulate your own screen time. Such locks and timers are quickly removed, deleted or adjusted. More external control is therefore needed for more conscious media consumption. Platforms must be made more responsible for helping young people to get a better grip on their media time. For example, through reminders for "real-time breaks" or even radical maximum usage times. - Social media content must be age-appropriate!
Children and young people should only be able to access content that is appropriate for their age. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and the like must ensure that young people do not encounter problematic content that is harmful to minors. - Proof of age!
We also think data protection is important. However, as long as there is no real age verification for apps or certain platforms, children and young people will come into contact with content that is not suitable for them or with people who could harm them, for example through sexualized violence. It should no longer be so easy to create a fake account. - Smartphone yes, but not too early!
Children should not be given their own smartphone too early. On the one hand, because they can come into contact with problematic content. Secondly, because they see content (e.g. from influencers) that they are still far too young for. They might think that they have to be like this to be "right" or "cool". The result is that children grow up too quickly. - Real consequences for users!
Accounts that have become conspicuous, for example because they have posted violent content that is harmful to children and young people or are harassing other users (cyberbullying, sexual harassment or hate comments), should be blocked immediately. - More "realness" please!
We need more real content on social media and less fake. Especially when it comes to topics such as body awareness and mental health. Influencers should be aware that they are role models for many young people and have a responsibility here. They need to convey values that are age-appropriate and really matter. - No extremist propaganda on social media!
Anti-democratic messages are becoming more visible on social media and dangerous propaganda is posted around the clock. Right-wing extremists and Islamists are trying to convince young people of their ideology. Politicians and law enforcement must do more here. And we all need to show more digital moral courage. - More media literacy!
It is important to educate young people about the internet and potential online risks at an early age. They need tools that help them to avoid problems online as far as possible and to deal with them competently. It is also important to know where to get advice and help if you have questions or if something does happen. Media skills should therefore be firmly integrated into the school curriculum from an early age! Peer-to-peer work (e.g. media scouts) is also an important building block. - Hobbies instead of scrolling!
It is important to pursue interests and activities that take place outside of the screen. Children should be supported at an early age to be active offline, to exercise, try out interests and find hobbies. Whether alone, together with friends or family. Parents should help with this, but there must also be enough offline activities for young people that are supported by politicians and local authorities. - Make contact points for advice and help more visible!
Children and young people need to know which advice and help centers they can turn to if they have questions or problems online. There should be more talk about the fact that it is okay to seek help: stress and problematic content online should not be taboo topics!