Protecting Children from Disturbing Online Content: A Father’s Mission
Protecting Children from Disturbing Online Content: A Father’s Mission
Blog Article
In an era where information spreads at lightning speed, shielding children from disturbing online content has become an increasingly difficult task. For Assaf Landschaft, a 49-year-old computer scientist living in Bergisch Gladbach, this challenge has become deeply personal. Since the October 7th Hamas attack and the ensuing war in Gaza, social media has been flooded with horrific images and videos. Landschaft, who has lived in Germany for 20 years, has found himself spending even more time in front of screens, trying to navigate a digital battlefield where propaganda, grief, and hatred collide.
A War of Images
The conflict is no longer confined to the physical world—it has taken over the digital space. Terrorists have weaponized social media, sharing brutal videos of their attacks in an effort to spread fear and further their cause. Families of victims have been horrified to receive graphic footage of their loved ones’ final moments. On the other side, images of Palestinian casualties circulate widely, contributing to an atmosphere of relentless outrage and sorrow. The internet has become an unfiltered, chaotic battlefield where shocking content is pushed in front of audiences without restriction.
Landschaft, however, refuses to discuss the gruesome images he has seen. "I don’t want to contribute to further distributing these horrors," he says. He understands that these images are not only traumatizing but also fuel polarization. Instead of helping people understand the complexity of the conflict, they often serve as emotional triggers, leading to greater division and hostility.
A Father’s Dilemma
As a father of two boys, aged 11 and 13, Landschaft faces an even greater concern: How can he protect his children from the psychological impact of such graphic content? Like most kids their age, his sons spend a significant amount of time on their mobile phones. Normally, he sees the internet as a place of learning and exploration for them. "In truth, though, it’s more of a battlefield at the moment," he admits.
He understands that he cannot fully control what his children see online. The only way to completely shield them would be to confiscate their phones and computers—an option he is unwilling to consider. Instead, he relies on open discussions to help his sons process the information they encounter. He teaches them how to distinguish credible news sources from propaganda and explains why people might manipulate images or videos to push a particular narrative. It’s a difficult and ongoing conversation, but one he believes is essential.
The Changing Nature of Social Media
Landschaft has also observed a dramatic shift in the way social media platforms operate. Networks once designed for professional connections or personal updates have been transformed into arenas for ideological warfare. Even LinkedIn, typically a platform for business networking, is now filled with posts about the conflict. "The focus is no longer on listening to each other, exchanging views, and finding similarities. It’s about being right," he laments.
This shift has contributed to an environment where users feel pressured to take sides. Rational discussions are often drowned out by emotionally charged debates. The internet, once seen as a space for knowledge-sharing and dialogue, is increasingly becoming a battleground of extreme opinions.
A Call for Digital Awareness
Landschaft’s story highlights a broader issue: the urgent need for digital literacy, especially among younger generations. While it may not be possible to prevent children from encountering disturbing content, parents can equip them with the tools to navigate the online world critically. Teaching children how to question sources, verify information, and understand the power of visual media is more important than ever.
In Israel, some parents’ groups have called for families to delete TikTok from their children’s phones. While Landschaft acknowledges that content restrictions can be helpful, he also knows that tech-savvy kids can easily bypass such measures. Instead of relying solely on parental controls, he believes in fostering trust and communication.
At its core, Landschaft’s mission is not just about protecting his own children—it’s about preparing the next generation to face an ever-evolving digital landscape. His approach offers a valuable lesson for all parents: The key to safeguarding children online is not isolation but education.
https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/jewish-life-in-germany-a-sudden-ominous-sense-of-insecurity-a-e21696e4-35f8-4c32-9300-f875885ef638 Report this page