Erich Kästner School: Strong initiative for youth media protection in Bischofsheim!

Erich Kästner School: Strong initiative for youth media protection in Bischofsheim!

In today's digital world, hardly any child or young person can do without their smartphone. The Erich Kästner School (EKS) in Bischofsheim has embraced this trend and is providing new impetus in the area of ​​media literacy. Loud op online The teacher Dimitri Lang ensures that students and teachers can better deal with the challenges of digital media.

There used to be hardly any fixed rules regarding cell phone use at the EKS. A rather vague agreement needed revision, which is why Lang introduced a voluntary cell phone tax. Students can now safely store their devices in classrooms - a measure that both creates space for creative teaching and reduces the distraction of cell phone use during class. Previously, up to 45 cell phones were confiscated from teachers if they were used in class or during breaks.

Opportunities and dangers of the digital world

Digital media is no longer new territory for today's students, as it enables innovative teaching methods. At the same time, however, they also entail certain risks, which Lang draws attention to. During his training, he took part in a qualification series on the subject of youth media protection and is now passing on his knowledge. Topics such as sexting, cyberbullying and the psychological effects of social media are important parts of his lessons.

The student in the digital world not only learns how to use media, but also the responsibility that comes with it. It is an essential skill that young people need in order to navigate the internet safely and independently. The Federal Center for Child and Youth Media Protection emphasizes that appropriate measures such as teaching media skills offer protection against harmful content and therefore represent an important part of youth media protection policy.

The role of parents and initiatives

Another important pillar in media education are parents. Lang emphasizes the need for them to take their responsibilities seriously and inform themselves about the dangers of the online world. The Federal Youth Ministry supports various initiatives such as “LOOK HIN!”, which offers parents information about digital media and encourages them to talk to their children about the opportunities and risks of digital content.

In an environment in which children and young people are increasingly alone with their smartphones, the EKS, in collaboration with its teachers, offers a model that shows how responsible use of digital media can be promoted in school and everyday life. Stefanie Thor, the school principal, has set herself the goal of getting the students to be more active together, away from constant smartphone use during breaks.

The Erich Kästner School shows that it is not just about integrating digital media, but also about learning how to use it responsibly. A good example for other schools in Hesse! The new approaches to promoting media literacy are ultimately an investment in the future of young people and help them grow up not only as users, but also as reflective media consumers.