Information for parents, teachers, children and young people about the dangers of spreading chain letters via messenger services.

Mr. Müller's 14-year-old story keeps coming up. also been a public institution for years and then there are the threats from ghosts if you don't send a message. So-called chain letters or chain messages are often circulating in chats on messenger services.

They always have a similar form: text or audio files ask you
to forward a message to a certain number of people within a short period of time. The messages are often sent by senders with the aim of creating fear and terror or to further spread a tasteless joke. Depending on the type of message, the recipient is either promised great luck if they comply with the request or threatened if they do not forward the message.

The intimidation attempts extend to death threats. Such news can cause anxiety, especially in children.

That's why we recommend:

  • Do not forward such messages.
  • As a parent or teacher, talk to your children or students about it and, if necessary, allay their fears.
  • If you suspect a crime, contact the police.

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Tips for parents

  • Educate and allay fears: Talk to your children about the phenomenon of chain letters and their content.
  • Don't fall into the trap: Make sure the message isn't forwarded.
  • Ignore and delete: just like any other link from an unknown source that could contain malware or subscription traps.
  • Suspicion of a crime: contact the police.

Tips for teachers

  • Take away your students' fears and explain the phenomenon and its content to them.
  • Make sure the message is not forwarded.
  • As part of your lessons, explain how your students can safely use digital media and smartphones.
  • Educate your students about the risks and dangers of messenger services.
  • Call the police if you suspect a crime has been committed.

Tips for children and young people

  • Some chain letters want to scare you and force you to do something. Don't get involved!
  • It's best not to open any messages if you don't know the sender.
  • Don't send messages like this. Don't be afraid or worried if someone demands something or threatens you. Ignore it and talk to your parents or teachers about it.
  • Under certain circumstances, there may even be software hidden behind these messages that causes damage to your cell phones or lures you into a subscription trap.
  • Your smartphone should definitely have up-to-date virus protection.
  • Let your parents help you with this. If necessary, you can also make settings together that will protect you from such messages.
  • Not all messenger services and apps are suitable for children and young people. WhatsApp is e.g. B. only from 16 years of age. But you can practice dealing with it early on. Do this together with your parents.

Media literacy needs to be learned: get your child ready!

  • Not from zero to one hundred: introduce your children to the digital world gradually and in moderation.
  • No unrestricted access: limit the possibilities and the times. Be there.
  • Get your child ready: Make sure that your child knows the dangers of messenger services and can react to them appropriately.
  • Competent and interested: Be able to answer questions about smartphones, tablets, etc. This requires that you are familiar with the functions and risks of the devices.
  • Secure your smartphone: Up-to-date virus protection is a must . Also consider a parental control for the device.

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Related to the topic: Protect our children against bullying, pornography and chain letters

Article image: Shutterstock / By Ann in the uk


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