Die Bürgerbeauftragte für Kinder gibt Empfehlungen für den Umgang mit gewalttätigen Inhalten

The Office of the Children's Ombudsman has issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at addressing the growing issue of violent content being shared on social media platforms and in media reports. These recommendations were released following multiple incidents where videos depicting violence against children have been widely circulated online, sparking public concern over the impact such exposure can have on both victims and society as a whole. The Ombudsman, Tatjana Katkić Stanić, emphasized the importance of condemning violence unequivocally and reporting it to the appropriate authorities. She urged the public to avoid sharing videos or photographs of actual acts of violence, highlighting the potential harm caused by repeated exposure to visual depictions of violence. This exposure could lead to direct re-traumatization of victims and endanger their well-being. Additionally, the widespread distribution of disturbing material can cause secondary trauma among broader populations, particularly vulnerable groups and children.

Katkić Stanić also stressed the significance of monitoring comments under online posts, noting that inappropriate and harmful remarks can incite further violence. As part of her guidance, she recommended that such content be reported to digital platforms. For parents, the Ombudsman advised them to monitor their children’s digital footprints and review the content they are exposed to on online platforms. Parents were reminded of their responsibility to prevent their children from consuming explicit footage of violence. If a child has already viewed such content or heard about an incident, the Ombudsman suggested initiating a calm conversation to explain that such behavior is prohibited, thereby reducing the child’s sense of insecurity. It was also emphasized that children should be taught respect for others' privacy and clearly explained why the suffering of another person should not be transformed into content meant for mass sharing.

In her recommendations directed towards the media, Katkić Stanić called upon journalists to adhere to the provisions of the Media Act, the Electronic Media Act, and the Code of Ethics for Croatian Journalists. According to these regulations, the identity of minor victims must remain fully protected, which excludes publishing names, faces, addresses, or any other information that could lead to identifying a child. She warned against sensationalist reporting on violence and cautioned against publishing visual representations of the event in their original form. When there is a justified public interest, such images must be technically protected and blurred, with the focus of reporting shifted toward raising awareness about the problem and questioning institutional responses rather than emphasizing graphic details of the violence itself.

Katkić Stanić emphasized that the media must take on an educational role and contextualize events through the lens of civil rights, legal procedures for reporting, and the importance of systematic support for victims of violence. Her recommendations reflect a broader effort to address the ethical implications of how violence is portrayed in the digital age, aiming to protect the rights, interests, and welfare of children while promoting responsible media practices and parental involvement in safeguarding young users of digital platforms.

The release of these guidelines comes amid increasing scrutiny of how digital spaces handle sensitive content involving minors. With the proliferation of social media, concerns have grown about the potential psychological effects of exposing children to violent imagery, whether through direct viewing or indirect influence via peer discussions. The Ombudsman's office has long advocated for stronger protections for children in all aspects of life, including the digital realm, and this latest set of recommendations underscores the need for collective action from individuals, families, and institutions alike. By encouraging responsible behavior online and advocating for more thoughtful journalism, the Ombudsman aims to create a safer environment for children and reduce the incidence of violence through informed public engagement and effective policy implementation.

The response from various stakeholders has been largely positive, with many acknowledging the urgency of the issue and supporting the Ombudsman's call for greater accountability. Educational institutions, parenting organizations, and media watchdogs have expressed willingness to collaborate on initiatives that align with these guidelines. However, some challenges remain regarding enforcement and ensuring compliance across diverse digital platforms and media outlets. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on sustained efforts from all sectors to uphold the principles outlined in the recommendations and adapt them to evolving technological landscapes. As the digital world continues to evolve, so too must the strategies employed to protect its most vulnerable members—children—who are increasingly shaped by the content they encounter online.