Cyberbullying, the risk of addiction when using mobile phones, sexual content that is quickly available online – the protection of young people and children on the Internet should be further strengthened in Upper Austria, says Youth Provincial Councilor Michael Lindner (SP). “Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. Elementary school children receive their first cell phone especially as a gift for their first communion. Therefore, even at this age, the dangers on the Internet must be pointed out so that children learn to use online offerings safely.”
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In order to raise awareness among children and young people, the state of Upper Austria and especially the youth group offers numerous workshops for schools. “The demand for the workshops has increased significantly in recent years,” says Christa Pacher, head of the youth group. Five years ago there were around 350 workshops per year, but in 2023 almost 500 were held by the youth group – most of the activities in the area of cyberbullying and the use of communication media such as Snapchat and Whatsapp. “More than 60 percent of young people now use the Snapchat app as a means of communication – and the trend is rising,” says Pacher.
Danger of cyberbullying
The dangerous thing about cyberbullying: “It can take place at any time and even in private spaces. Those affected have no opportunity to intervene if messages and pictures are sent uncontrollably. The burden is usually even greater compared to traditional bullying,” says senior physician Markus Schreiner, a specialist for pediatric and adolescent medicine and specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen Klinikum Steyr.
- More on the subject: Cyberbullying: Silent danger for young people
Children and young people can protect themselves by paying close attention to what information and photos are shared online. “If bullying is already taking place, it is important to save and download evidence. Do not delete messages and take screenshots or print out evidence – this is advisable for legal action,” says Schreiner.
- More on the subject: Cyberbullying is not virtual, but has real consequences
Appeal to the federal government
Lindner also sees a danger area in the online games sector, where the federal government is also called upon. “There is a need for action here. Young people aged 14 and over can get payment cards for in-game purchases in supermarkets. It is important to create regulations to bring these practices into the gambling law. “I’m in favor of an age limit of 18 so that online gaming companies don’t make big profits at the expense of children and young people,” says Lindner.
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Source: Nachrichten
