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Hessian Prevention Prize: SMOG app protects children from dangers!
On June 10, 2025, the SMOG app "Cool and Safe" was awarded the Hessian Prevention Prize by the Hessian Ministry of Justice to protect children from violence.
Hessian Prevention Prize: SMOG app protects children from dangers!
On June 10, 2025, the SMOG app “Cool and Safe” was awarded the Hessian Prevention Prize 2025. This honor took place at the Hessian Ministry of Justice in Wiesbaden, where Minister of Justice, Christian Heinz, and Michael Weidmann, Chairman of the Board of Sparda-Bank Hessen eG, stood by the representatives of SMOG e.V., Erwin Maisch and Max Ostrowski. Sparda Bank supports the initiative with prize money of 1,500 euros. The app was honored as the third prize winner in the prevention category and is considered a significant step in working with children in Hesse.
But what exactly does this app do? Cool and Safe is a free and ad-free application available in multiple languages including German, English, French, Spanish and Ukrainian. Their goal is to help children better assess dangerous situations and react more confidently. Through the use of 44 entertaining short films, the younger generation learns to arm themselves against violence and sexual abuse - a topic that is more relevant than ever.
Prevention work in Hesse
As Interior Minister Roman Poseck emphasizes, the app is part of a larger e-learning program that playfully encourages children to improve their skills and better perceive dangers in everyday life. This is particularly important because police crime statistics show alarming figures: in 2023 there were 10,065 crimes against sexual self-determination, an increase of 542 cases compared to the previous year. In particular, child pornography offenses increased by 11.1%, which underlines the relevance of the app and its content. The state government has responded to this and is setting clear priorities in the fight against child abuse and child and youth pornography.
In addition, the importance of collaboration with educational professionals and institutions is emphasized. Initiatives such as the “FOKUS” unit of the Hessian police, which takes targeted action against sexual offenders, and the training courses offered by numerous organizations, such as Lawine e.V., contribute to raising awareness and strengthening specialists in dealing with child endangerment.
Training and awareness raising
The Lawine e.V. offers various training courses that, among other things, aim to train youth welfare employees in the Main-Kinzig district in the areas of child welfare endangerment and child protection. The new regulations in the Federal Child Protection Act oblige youth welfare facilities to immediately initiate protective measures if there are indications of danger.
- Erkennen von Kindeswohlgefährdung
- Entwicklung von Interventionsschritten
- Einleitung von Hilfe für betroffene Kinder und Familien
In addition, preventive modules dedicated to the topic of sexual violence are offered in Hesse's daycare centers and schools. This includes seminars and in-house training courses that support and raise awareness of specialists in their important work.
The combination of an innovative digital approach such as the SMOG app “Cool and Safe” and a comprehensive training program forms the basis for effective prevention work in Hesse. The use of modern technologies paired with professional training has the potential to sustainably protect and strengthen children.