The independent expert commission, titled “Child and Youth Protection in the Digital World” plans to submit its policy recommendations at the end of June, according to a statement from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs on Monday.
During its session on Monday, the body presented a comprehensive assessment. This involved analyzing key aspects of child and youth protection in the digital space, including virtual lives, potential dangers for minors, the participation potential offered by new technologies, and the existing structures for media education and prevention. A major finding highlighted the inseparable link between opportunities and risks. Risks identified include cyberbullying, sexual violence in digital spaces, manipulative platform mechanics, and dangers posed by AI systems.
Furthermore, the commission noted systemic shortcomings in media literacy. The quality of this education varies depending on the federal state, the specific institution, and even individual professionals, with particular attention paid to the fact that early childhood is currently not addressed systematically enough. Regarding the legal framework, the body pointed out “implementation deficits” citing issues such as insufficient age protection and the limited effectiveness of current control and enforcement mechanisms.
Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Karin Prien (CDU), stated that, “This assessment is one of the broadest, most systematic, deepest, and above all, most interdisciplinary foundations for child and youth protection in the digital world. It covers the topic holistically, making central risks like cyberbullying, problematic usage patterns, algorithmically enhanced dynamics, and insufficient protection mechanisms as visible as existing structures, legal frameworks, and concrete areas for action”.
Prien added that, while the smartphone provides essential access-to friendships, knowledge, and participation, especially for young people-the assessment also clearly defines deficits. Specifically, it identifies gaps in comprehensive and systematic media education and in the support provided to parents, thereby establishing a solid, evidence-based foundation for the resulting recommendations.