How can I sensitise my child to data protection?

Should I restrict Internet use at home in terms of content and time?

Absolutely. But I think it's very important that parents give good reasons for doing this at the beginning. But this technical solution should not be implemented over a long period of time. Instead, parents should trust their children more and more, teach them to be more independent and give them more responsibility. In principle, it is the task of mums and dads to raise their children to become autonomous beings.
Stefan Aufenanger

How can I protect my child from disturbing images on the internet?

We will not succeed in switching off the Internet. It remains to be seen whether we want to. But I have the feeling that a lot of prevention and discussion about rights, protection and bullying is taking place in schools. But we must not let up in our efforts to raise awareness.
Ulla Autenrieth

It is relatively easy for young people to get hold of games that they are still too young for.

Daniel Betschart

Why should my child tape up their computer camera?

We never know who can see us through the camera. There are now also small sliders that hide the camera.
Thomas Feibel

What is the current status of child and youth media protection?

We are on it. There will be a new law in the area of video games and films, which is currently still being drafted. However, there are currently voluntary agreements between retailers. For example, that games will adhere to the age labelling of the Pan-European Game Information PEGI and that no games with PEGI 18 will be sold to under-18s.

This works quite well over the counter. But we are faced with the challenge that most games can be played online. It's relatively easy for young people to get hold of games that they are still too young for.
Daniel Betschart

What should I explain to my child about data protection?

Parents should teach their children what data traces they leave behind online. Children should use a pseudonym or nickname to protect themselves. Data has an even greater significance.

When you play Minecraft, a lot of data is collected, for example when and how exactly you played. This raises the question of what other people do with this data. Children can encounter this problem anywhere, for example in class chats: «If Marvin knows this and that about you, what will he do with it if he has a bad day or you have a fight?»

We should show children and young people what information is available and sensitise them to it. Dealing with data is then no longer a legal issue, but a question of empathy.
Martin Steiger

How can I sensitise my child to the topic of data protection?

When data protection is reported in the media, it is often about bad experiences such as annoying cookie banners or data leaks. The topic is stressful and therefore difficult to communicate to children. If the argument is based on fears, success usually fails to materialise. These concerns contradict the positive everyday experiences of children and young people in particular.
Martin Steiger

If you are meeting someone the child has met online, you should exercise extreme caution.

Daniel Betschart

Something is bothering my son. But he doesn't want to confide in me. Who can he turn to?

We offer a 24-hour hotline on the free emergency number 147. You can also chat, text or email. The callers have many topics: from arguments with siblings or parents to a broken condom. They also talk about cyberbullying, suicidal thoughts or psychological problems. They are answered by professional counsellors who deal with these issues and help the children.
Daniel Betschart

My child wants to meet strangers online. What is your advice?

If it's a meeting with someone the child has met online, you need to be extremely careful. I wouldn't forbid the meeting, but I would take appropriate precautions and only allow the child to go accompanied by their parents, an older sibling or a good friend. Such a meeting should always take place in a public place where there are lots of other people.
Daniel Betschart

What materials do you recommend for the careful handling of data?

As a team of media education specialists from the Zurich University of Teacher Education, we are working with the cantonal data protection officer to develop a series of free online teaching materials that have a clear media education approach and are aimed at familiarising children with the importance and right to privacy. It is an introduction to a complex topic with the aim of teaching young people from kindergarten age onwards how to be self-determined when travelling digitally. More information at: www.datenschutzlernen.ch.
Friederike Tilemann