They might have a quick online chat with friends on the way to school, watch a few videos at break time and upload the latest photos to their social networks once home: almost all children (98%) are already able to use the Internet both at home and when they're out and about. This is according to the findings of a recent KIM-Studie (a study of children, media, computers and the Internet).

Digital security is becoming an ever more important issue for children, since even primary school pupils often have their own smartphones nowadays. Little ones are taking their first steps online by the time they start school. And from the age of 12 and up, practically all children (94%) are using online services. The most popular activities (practised at least once a week) are looking things up on search engines (65%), using messaging services (62%) and watching videos (56%). So the Internet is shaping the world in which children and young people live from a very early age. That's why it is advisable to deal with the question of how to use the Internet securely head-on, just like any other parenting issue.

Recognising risks, putting safeguards in place

Ask most people about what risks and dangers children are exposed to on the Internet and their first answer will be content that is not age-appropriate. This might include violent online games or pornographic videos, for example. There are special child protection programs available that shield children from unsuitable content. But not everything can be controlled using technology: people are still able to conceal their true identity on forums and in chat programs.

Contacts who convince children to disclose their personal data such as names or addresses are especially dangerous. That's why it is important to teach young Internet users all about what could happen to them online and how they should respond.

Children are also exposed to all the same online risks as any adult such as malware that could infect a computer and cause enormous damage by getting hold of passwords, encrypting data or making the computer part of a botnet, for example. Parents should therefore work together with their children to put safeguards aimed at protecting them in place at an early stage.

Keeping the dialogue going, setting up parental controls

Which online problems should parents speak to their children about? What should they look out for? See our guide (which includes a video) for information on what parents need to be discussing with their children to help them stay safe online.

The BSI-Checkliste: Kinderschutz outlines a selection of the technical parental controls you can set up.

Kids love smart devices — just make sure they are safe!

As far as Internet-enabled devices are concerned, you have to think about security even before making a purchase. So parents or relatives and friends who want to give a device as a gift should check very carefully when buying it that the device can be set up and protected in a way that is appropriate for children. Ask whether updates will still be provided for the device in future, for example — these updates are the cornerstone of basic protection, since they resolve vulnerabilities.

Once purchased, you should set up the device appropriately. It is also equally important that your child is able to make their own decisions, so make them aware of the risks of being online and hone their ability to look after themself.