An expert holds everyone accountable in the fight against cybergrooming. There is enough information about the targeted addressing of minors via the Internet. However, it is still difficult to use them.
Münster (dpa/lsw) - Media scientist Stefan Jarolimek believes that raising awareness about the dangers of the Internet is a task for society as a whole. "We all have to ensure that the scams of the perpetrators become clear and known - both at the state and at the personal level," said the professor from the German Police University (Münster) of the German Press Agency.
The background is the death of 14-year-old Ayleen from Gottenheim in southern Baden. The student is said to have met her alleged killer through weeks of chatting and a well-known online game. The procedure with the aim of surreptitiously gaining the trust of a victim is called cybergrooming. Investigators are currently evaluating huge amounts of data on communication in social media and an online game.
Jarolimek emphasized: "Mothers and fathers must acquire media skills and take the time to deal with the subject." The aim is to be able to show the youngsters the risks in chats and game groups. "Parents need to feel responsible for what happens in the children's room." They received support from the “Look” initiative, for example. Training would also be offered. Hotlines and websites are available for students who need help. The scientist summed it up: "The material is there, it's now a matter of using it."
