How to protect your child online

According to the letter of the law, the list of content that is relevant for youth media protection is straightforward: no pornography, no content that glorifies violence. These categories make sense because children are usually overwhelmed by them or the content scares them. However, the grey area of unsuitable - but not explicitly forbidden - content on social media is enormous. However, it is precisely this type of content that has a great appeal for young people.

It is our educational mission to introduce our children to the dangers and realities of the digital world.

Michael In Albon, media expert

There are some technical options for parents and guardians to exert influence. For example, smartphones and most social media platforms offer filters that can be used to block content. However, young people with an interest in technology in particular can overcome such hurdles relatively easily. What's more, a lot of unsuitable content is not even detected by the filters: Disinformation, people who are false role models, algorithms that promote addictive behaviour or cyberbullying . So should the list of unsuitable content for children and young people be expanded?

It is our educational mission to introduce our children to the dangers and realities of the digital world. To be able to do this, we need to acquire the necessary knowledge. What does the law say? Where do our children encounter unsuitable content that could jeopardise their well-being? When should we intervene and where can and must children train themselves to be resilient in order to survive as adults? This depends very much on the child's stage of development and individual resilience. One thing is certain: overprotection is sometimes just as harmful as indifference.

Online parents' evening on the topic

The expectations placed on us parents and guardians are overwhelming. We should have sound specialist knowledge and the right amount of empathy. These expectations, coupled with the uncertainty as to whether we are acting appropriately, can be very gruelling.

You can get first-hand examples, options for action and background knowledge at the online parents' evening «Nix für Kids - ungeeignete Inhalte im Netz» on Tuesday, 25 February at 8 pm, live on TV on blue Zoom D or on YouTube. I will be discussing this difficult topic with Andrea Jansen, founder of the parenting platform mal-ehrlich.ch, and Regula Bernhard Hug, Director of Child Protection Switzerland. The discussion will be moderated by Claudia Lässer. As a member of the audience, you can actively ask questions.