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Parents in Freyung: How to protect your children online!
In Grafenau, Chief Detective Inspector Hofmann informed parents about the risks of media use for children at the Maria Ward elementary school.
Parents in Freyung: How to protect your children online!
On June 9, 2025, Chief Detective Roland Hofmann from the Passau Criminal Police Inspectorate gave an insightful lecture at the Maria Ward Elementary School for around 40 interested parents. The focus was on the dangers and risks of internet use by children. The event highlighted how important it is for parents to actively engage with their children's media use. PNP reports that The topics covered include security, hate speech, extremism, bullying, sexting and the problem of deepfake.
One of Hofmann's central concerns was to urge parents to be vigilant. He recommended keeping a close eye on your children's media usage, especially on platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook. Experience shows that many children in primary school are not yet able to correctly assess the dangers associated with these media. “The cell phone should only be available to primary school students from the fifth grade onwards,” says Hofmann. This is intended to counteract exclusion during school hours, while emergency contacts can still be regulated through the school.
Media competence and role model function
Parents were also made aware of the need to be aware of the apps and games their children use. Hofmann emphasized the role model role that parents must take on in media education. In this context, he recommended concluding a “media usage agreement” between parents and children in order to set clear regulations. Parents should also be careful to use strong passwords and use parental control apps to control access to inappropriate content.
Current studies, such as those by the DAK and the University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, show that millions of children and young people in Germany struggle with problems caused by media consumption. Loud Deutschlandfunk Over 25% of 10 to 17 year olds use social media to a problematic extent. In addition, around 5% of these young people are considered dependent. Although the number of addiction problems in gaming and social media fell slightly in 2024, it is still higher than in 2019.
Effects of social media
The discussion about the consequences of digital media use is in full swing. Experts warn that frequent media use can lead to loneliness, stress and even mental illness. Neurobiologist Martin Korte and psychology professor Jonathan Haidt express concerns that social networks affect children's creativity and interpersonal interactions. They also warn against the manipulative designs of the platforms, which are designed to retain users for longer.
However, there are also differentiated opinions among experts. Some studies show low correlations between media use and psychological well-being. The international expert commission recommends that not only social media, but a variety of factors are responsible for the mental health of young people. In times when digital media are increasingly shaping everyday life, the demand for increased digital education and media literacy in schools has become louder.
Given these concerns, it is crucial that parents actively address their children's media consumption and provide them with appropriate media education. Hofmann's lecture at the Maria Ward Elementary School is a step in the right direction and shows that the issue is more urgent than ever. Rector Eva Spindler thanked Hofmann for the informative exchange and valuable tips on media education.