Digital dangers: This is how we protect children from cyberbullying and hate speech!

Digital dangers: This is how we protect children from cyberbullying and hate speech!

In an increasingly digital world, children and young people grow up with a variety of opportunities and risks. According to the research of Technical University of Berlin, the sub-research project “Safety for Children in the Digital World” (SIKID Psychology) includes a detailed investigation of online interaction risks. The focus is particularly on phenomena such as cyberbullying, online hate speech, non-consensual sexting and cybergrooming. These risks are often difficult to predict and develop spontaneously, especially among younger users.

Studies show that many young people have difficulty recognizing and responding respectfully to dangerous interactions online. These findings are summarized in the book “Cyberbullying, hate speech, sexting and cybergrooming – online interaction risks for children and young people from a psychological perspective”. This work addresses the different risks that occur in different age groups, their prevalence and the possible prevention and intervention strategies.

Age groups and specific risks

Children between the ages of 6 and 10 are particularly affected by cybergrooming. These threats increase significantly for the 11- to 14-year-old age group, while young people aged 15 to 18 are increasingly confronted with non-consensual sexting and online hate speech. It is clear that understanding of social interactions and the associated risks increases with age.

Research also highlights that youth who act as bystanders can help those affected; however, they often have unrealistic expectations about what they can do. In addition, there is a lack of theoretically based prevention programs in German-speaking countries that cover all aspects of online interaction risks. To counteract this, the educational program “FairNetzt: Standing up for each other instead of watching” was developed, which is aimed at young people aged 11 to 17.

Prevention and intervention

“FairNetz” motivates young people to actively intervene and promote prosocial values. This program can be used in schools and youth facilities, offers practical exercises and materials for around ten to twelve weekly sessions and is available free of charge for teachers, educators and school social work specialists.

The problem of cyberbullying and hate speech is not just limited to a certain age group. consumer education.de emphasizes that the attractiveness of the Internet for children and young people, especially older ones, offers both communication opportunities and platforms for harmful behavior. Teachers should be more aware of the problem and implement appropriate prevention concepts.

The effects of cyberbullying can be serious. Students are often unable to differentiate between cyberbullying and hate speech; both behaviors are often perceived as hateful. According to the JIM study, around a third of 12 to 19 year olds said they knew someone who had been bullied online, while 8% had been bullied themselves. It is estimated that around 500,000 young people in Germany are affected, which can lead to serious emotional and psychological consequences.

Social responsibility and need for action

The need to promote social structures that strengthen understanding of diversity is becoming increasingly urgent. The publication of the systematic review clarifies the goal of developing strategies that take action against hateful ideologies. The importance of online interventions and programs to promote diversity and sensitivity is also highlighted.

Schools should select scientifically based prevention approaches that can bring about lasting change in the use of social media. Financial and time resources are required to develop a comprehensive concept for media literacy education and support. The commitment to positive digital communication requires the cooperation of everyone involved in order to effectively protect and support children and young people.