A guide for dealing with right-wing extremist content
The digital world of our children and young people is increasingly plagued by a flood of problematic content. From racist to anti-Semitic to right-wing extremist messages, the barriers to access and distribution of such content seem lower than ever in the age of social media. What is particularly alarming is the spread of these messages in class chats, a space that is supposed to be used for education and exchange among peers. This development challenges all of us: parents, teachers and society as a whole.
The increase in right-wing extremist content in class chats
A disturbing trend has emerged in recent years: the spread of right-wing extremist, racist and anti-Semitic content in class chats. Dominik Schumacher from the Federal Association of Mobile Advice reports an increasing presence of such messages, especially among students in the 7th grade and above. The content ranges from stickers that trivialize the Holocaust to memes that glorify the Third Reich. This development is not only worrying, but also a clear sign that action is needed.
Trivialization through dissemination
Many parents tend to underestimate the importance of this content. The assumption that these are just tasteless jokes ignores the hurtful effect on those affected and the creeping normalization of such messages. Schumacher emphasizes that not every young person who shares right-wing extremist content has a solid right-wing extremist worldview. Nevertheless, it is essential not to ignore such behavior but to see it as an educational challenge.
Pedagogical interventions and media literacy
Combating hate and extremism in digital spaces requires comprehensive understanding and targeted educational measures. Schumacher sees an educational mandate for schools above all, while criminal action should only be a last resort. It's about breaking a class dynamic that allows such content to circulate uncontrollably, and at the same time strengthening the students' self-regulatory powers. However, this assumes that schools have the necessary resources to respond to these challenges.
The role of parents and teachers
Parents and teachers play a crucial role in prevention and intervention. The recommendation that parents regularly check their children's chats may seem controversial, but it underlines the need for active support of media socialization. Teachers and schools must be enabled not only to react to problematic content, but also to take preventive action by promoting political education and media literacy .
Questions and answers about dealing with right-wing extremist content
Question 1: Is right-wing extremist content in class chats a criminal offense?
Answer 1: Yes, depending on the content, they can be punishable, especially if they incite hatred or deny the Holocaust. But before legal action is taken, the focus should be on the educational approach.
Question 2: How can parents and teachers react?
Answer 2: You should talk to the young people, use educational materials and, in serious cases, seek professional advice.
Question 3: How important is media literacy ?
Answer 3: Very important. A critical understanding of media and their content is essential in order to recognize and counteract extremist messages.
Question 4: What can schools do?
Answer 4: Schools should promote political education at an early stage, teach media skills and offer clear contact points for affected students.
Question 5: Can young people do something themselves?
Answer 5: Young people can learn to report problematic content in class chats, engage critically with media and promote a culture of tolerance and respect in their digital spaces.
Conclusion
Combating right-wing extremist content in class chats requires a joint approach from parents, teachers and society as a whole. Education, both in the form of historical understanding and media literacy, is the sharpest sword. It's about creating an environment where extremism has no place and where young people learn to be critical of the information they find online and in class chats. The responsibility for this lies with all of us.
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Source: rnd.de
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )