An independent expert committee focused on child and youth protection in the digital world plans to present its recommendations by the end of June. This news was released by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs on Monday.
Initially, the committee presented a comprehensive assessment. This involved analyzing key aspects of child and youth protection in digital spaces, including virtual online environments, potential dangers facing young people, the opportunities offered by new technologies, and current structures for media literacy and prevention. A central finding was the close link between potential benefits and risks. Key risks identified include cyberbullying, sexual violence in digital settings, manipulative platform mechanisms, and dangers posed by artificial intelligence systems.
Furthermore, the committee pointed out structural weaknesses in media education. These deficiencies vary in quality depending on the federal state, institution, and individual professionals, and the early years of childhood are noted as being addressed too inconsistently. Regarding the legal framework, the group identified “implementation deficits” such as insufficient age verification systems and limited effectiveness in existing control and enforcement mechanisms.
Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Karin Prien (CDU), stated that, “This initial assessment is one of the broadest, most systematic, deepest, and most interdisciplinary foundations for child and youth protection in the digital world”. She added that it “captures the topic holistically, making central risks such as cyberbullying, problematic usage patterns, algorithmically reinforced dynamics, and inadequate protective measures visible, alongside existing structures, legal frameworks, and concrete areas for action”.
Minister Prien also noted that, “Simultaneously, the smartphone grants adolescents access to friendship, knowledge, and participation”. She concluded that the assessment clearly names deficits, particularly in widespread and systematic media education and in providing support for parents. This establishes a strong, evidence-based foundation for the eventual recommendations.
