Getting Started
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Legal texts are very complex and multi-layered. Neither you nor we are lawyers, so this module will try to give a simplified overview of the topic of media law and show you sources for more in-depth research.
The general objectives of media rights are the use and usability of media content: Access to infrastructure, securing diversity of opinion, protection of media users (protection of minors, data, copyright).
In this module we will focus on three aspects:
- overview of international rights and national laws
- an overview of laws protecting vulnerable groups and personal rights
- tips on how to create a safer media environment for children and young people at home
Learn More
Overview of international rights and national laws
The protection of freedom of expression and information is considered an important good to be protected worldwide and is part of numerous fundamental documents. Use our document International and National Media Rights for an overview of generally applicable rights and conventions. For an overview of national media laws and institutions in different countries, see the Medialandscapes page, which we have listed under the resources on the right.
Overview of laws on the protection of vulnerable groups and personal rights
Various international and national rights also refer to (children's) use of the media. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child describes access to information as a right of all children. Adults should ensure that this information does not overwhelm or frighten children. The EU published a European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children (BIK+) in 2022 with the aim of protecting, respecting and empowering children online.
In addition to the right of access to media, children are also actively protected by national laws.
- Germany: Youth Protection Act (JuSchG)
In Germany, the Youth Protection Act regulates some areas of media use by children. The aim is to protect them against media that impair development and are harmful to young people, as well as to safeguard personal integrity. Institutions such as the Federal Review Board for Media Harmful to Young Persons and the institutions of voluntary self-monitoring support these tasks. How youth protection works in Germany is shown in the video "Who regulates what? ". We have linked you to detailed information on the protection of minors from harmful media as well as access to legal texts such as the Jugendmedienschutzstaatsvertrag.
- Data protection
Since 2018, the EU's General Data Protection Regulation has been in force, which regulates the processing of personal data across all member states and is intended to protect users. How it works explains the video GDPR: What it is and how it affects you. The article Data Protection Toolkit - Protecting children's data gives information on what to consider when data of children are to be collected.
- Copyright
Photos, texts, films or music titles - all these created works enjoy copyright protection. This means that the creator alone has the right to publish, sell or release the work for use. Find out more about copyright in the EU or in individual countries on the European Commission's website.
Creating a safer media environment for children and young people at home
There are rights to protect children and young people from harmful media influences. But what more can parents actively do to protect their children? How can parents guide their children in their use of media and protect them from harmful content? First of all, it makes sense to discuss the use of media at home and make agreements together. Tips on how to deal with media in the family are offered on the page Klicksafe – Media Education. Info&Tips for Parents.
It is also important to talk to children about possible risks in an age-appropriate way. The video Online safety - Staying safe online can serve as a support or preparation.
Especially for younger children, the use of youth protection programmes is also recommended. Read the article What do child and youth protection programmes do about offers and their effect.
Exercise
Do the Privat-o-mat (Privacymeter) and see how much of your knowledge on the topic of data protection you actually use in your everyday life.
Try out a children's browser yourself and set the parental control settings on one of your devices to better answer questions about effect and setting in the parents' evening.
What you learn in this course
- You are able to name the central contents of the laws on data protection, copyright, protection of minors in the media and children's rights.
- You are able to assign the validity of the laws on a national or international level.
- You are able to assign whether the laws apply to adults and/or to children and young people.
- You are able to describe methods for better data protection.
- You are able to translate contents on data protection, copyright and personal rights so that they are understandable for children and young people.
- You are able to apply methods to accompany parents and children in their education.
- You are able to name security settings, explain their limits and advantages and assign them correctly.
- You are able to adjust the security settings even on unknown devices and describe the procedure to others.
Get ready: Tips for MediaParent consultants
Protection programmes help to keep children away from unsuitable content. However, in order to train critical media use in the long term and to build up lasting skills, parents should also actively accompany media use. Only in this way will children be equipped to deal safely with media outside the parental safe space.
Tips on how parents can accompany their children in their media use:
- Sharing media - parents can watch children’s favourite programmes or try out computer games together with their children.
- Addressing the children's interests and accepting their media topics
- (Jointly) selecting meaningful and appropriate media content
- Using media creatively - not only consuming, but also producing
- Discussing media content together and critically questioning it
Also use age-appropriate videos that parents can use to sensitise their children to the use of online media. These videos can be the starting point for joint discussions. You can find two examples in our resources: Online Privacy for Kids - Internet Safety and Security for Kids or 5 Internet Safety Tips for Kids.
Try not to create a fearful backdrop when it comes to the topic of youth protection and data security. Digital media harbour risks that need to be recognised and children and young people need to be supported in coping with them. At the same time, however, do not forget the opportunities that active, critical and competent use of media offers.