📱 Phones, internet and youth protection
In brief
Films and games have age ratings: no age restriction, from 6, from 12, from 16 or no youth release (18).
This classification is an aid for you.
As a parent you are responsible for supervision. Talk to your child about what they see online. Agree rules on time and content.
If there is bullying, blackmail or abuse online, you can get advice. Secure evidence such as screenshots.
Step by step
- Check the ratingPay attention to the age rating on films and games.
- Agree rulesSet times and content together with your child.
- Secure evidence if there are problemsSave messages and images as proof.
- Get helpUse the advice centres on the advice page.
Deadlines
- Statutory age limits for social networks and apps were not checked for this page.
- Whether new rules on social media for minors apply in 2026 was not checked.
- For criminal content or abuse: use advice services and the police.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Age ratings
§ 14 JuSchG (Youth Protection Act, Jugendschutzgesetz) provides for five labels: released without age restriction, from six, from twelve, from sixteen years and no youth release. In the version retrieved, a rating cannot be granted if content impairs the development of children and young people in the respective age group. Additional symbols and notes are to state the main reasons for the classification. The classification is made by the highest state authorities or recognised voluntary self-regulation bodies in a joint procedure.
Parental supervision
The duty of supervision follows from § 1631 Abs. 1 BGB. How far it extends online depends on the child's age and maturity.
Not checked
Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (Jugendmedienschutz-Staatsvertrag), providers' obligations, age verification and rules on social networks.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.