Hessian prevention price: Smog app protects children from dangers!

Hessian prevention price: Smog app protects children from dangers!

Wiesbaden, Deutschland - On June 10, 2025, the SMOG app "Cool and Safe" was awarded the Hessian prevention price 2025. This award took place in the Hessian Ministry of Justice in Wiesbaden, where State Minister of Justice, Christian Heinz, and Michael Weidmann, CEO of Sparda-Bank Hessen eG, the representatives of Smog e.V., Erwin Maisch and Max Ostrowski, were at the side. Sparda-Bank supports the initiative with prize money of 1,500 euros. The app was honored as the third award 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 cost and advertising-free application that is available in several languages, including German, English, French, Spanish and Ukrainian. Your 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 prepare for violence and sexual abuse - a topic that is more current than ever.

prevention work in Hesse

As Interior Minister Roman Poseck emphasizes, the app is part of a larger e-learning program that stimulates children in a playful way to improve their skills and to better perceive dangers in everyday life. This is particularly important because the police crime statistics show alarming numbers: in 2023 there were 10,065 crimes against sexual self -determination, an increase of 542 cases compared to the previous year. In particular, the offenses in the field of child pornography rose by 11.1 %, which underlines the relevance of the app and its content. The state government has reacted and sets clear priorities in the fight against child abuse and child and youth pornography.

In addition, the importance of cooperation with pedagogical specialists and institutions is emphasized. Initiatives such as the "focus" unit of the Hessian police, which is specifically against sex offenders, and the further training offers of numerous organizations, such as the avalanche e.V.

training and awareness

der Lawine e.V. offers various advanced training courses that aim to train youth welfare employees in the Main-Kinzig district in the area of ​​child welfare and child protection. The new regulations in the Federal Child Protection Act oblige youth welfare institutions to initiate protective measures if there are indications of risk.

• recognition of child welfare
• Development of intervention steps
• Introduction of help for affected children and families

In addition, preventive modules are offered in Hesse's daycare centers and schools that are dedicated to sexual violence. These include seminars and in-house training courses that support and sensitize specialists in their important work.

The combination of an innovative digital approach such as the SMOG app "Cool and Safe" and a comprehensive advanced training offer forms the basis for effective prevention work in Hesse. The use of modern technologies paired with professional training has the potential to protect and strengthen children sustainably.