"The Tone is Getting Harder. Hate, Bullying and Extremism" Presentation of the State Media Authorities' Youth Protection and Media Competence Report

 "Even though the young generation is growing up with smartphones, this does not mean that they can fully understand the dangers on the Internet," emphasizes Cornelia Holsten, Chairwoman of the Conference of Directors (DLM) of the State Media Authorities.

And this is precisely where the media authorities' new publication comes in: It offers an overview of current issues on the topics of hate, bullying and extremism and presents measures for regulation and findings of the state media authorities. In addition, it elaborates on the prevention aspects and presents the measures and initiatives that the state media authorities are taking, both jointly and on their own responsibility, on the ground to achieve enlightened and competent media use for all.

The accompanying discussion panel on "What to do about hate, bullying and extremism? Positions from the point of view of youth media protection!" was attended by Stefan Haddick (Head of Division for Youth Protection Law, Child and Youth Media Protection, Growing Up Digital at the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth), Dr. Wolfgang Kreißig (Chairman of the Commission for Youth Media Protection) and Thomas Salzmann (Deputy Chairman of the Federal Review Board for Media Harmful to Young People). Jochen Fasco (coordinator of the "Media Competence, User and Youth Protection, Local Diversity" expert committee of the DLM of the media institutions) introduced the discussion with a quote from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who wrote the publication's welcoming address: "It is up to all of us whether the tone in Germany becomes harsher or whether we cultivate and further develop a vital culture of debate - both online and offline - that is at the same time in conformity with the German constitution."

At the end of the discussion, everyone agreed that the constant changes in risks must continue to be monitored in order to protect all citizens - especially the youngest - from abuse and violence. Jochen Fasco concluded by emphasizing: "We must counteract the issues of hatred, bullying and extremism with the classic instruments of youth media protection and with preventive measures of media competence. Both work hand in hand and are the focus of the work of the state media authorities."

The report on the protection of minors and media competence of the state media authorities can be downloaded free of charge.