The 14-year-old also knows Twitch (live stream while others play). And like many other young people, he has already received unintentionally pictures or messages that he never wanted to see. The fact that “creepypasta”, which media educator Johannes Wentzel warns the parents present about, has nothing to do with pasta is part of his basic knowledge when he warns about horror stories and chain letters on the Internet at the AFG Media Competence Days.
But no matter how hard the school tries to provide information, “without parents it doesn’t work,” emphasizes Wentzel. He spoke in the forum at the information evening on “TikTok and Co.”, organized by the lower school coordinator of the AFG, Johannes Fastermann, and supported by the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia. “Show interest, educate yourself, get a sense of what’s fascinating about TikTok.”
Often there is a lack of awareness of what it is better not to do
You also come across “challenges” that range up to life-threatening requests. The fact that the pictures on Snapchat disappear again after a short time is not a solution. Anyone can take a screenshot of the image and forward it as often as they like. And: Once posted, it can hardly be deleted. That’s why Wentzel advises: “Think before you post!” (Think before you publish something on the Internet).
“Where do you take photos and where not?” is a question to ask young users. Even young people sometimes lack the awareness that they are in public when pictures from the living room are posted. If the child did send naked photos, you should “not rip off his head”, but inform the school and, if necessary, call the police. Basic knowledge includes the information that the distribution of nude photos, insults, pictures of Hitler and swastikas is prohibited. “That’s not snitch, it means taking responsibility.”
When should children start using their smartphones?
When asked at what age smartphones should be allowed, Wentzel replies: “If you have the impression that your child is fit for it.” their children and should make it clear to them again and again: “You don’t have to do everything that others say.”
On Monday (February 13) at 7:30 p.m., Katrin Hagedorn and Andreas Nitz from the Commissariat for Crime Prevention and Victim Protection of the Coesfeld police will provide information in the forum on criminal aspects of media use by young people.
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