Why knowledge protects better than bans
Technical limits mainly help with younger children. At the latest when children go online at friends' houses, at school or on their own device, they need their own judgment. That develops through conversations, not through blocks.
Child-friendly explanations
| Topic | How you can explain it | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing | Someone pretends to be your bank, your game or a friend to get passwords or money. | Never pass on passwords or codes, not even to “support”. |
| Fake news | Some messages are meant to make you angry or scared so that you share them. | Check first, then share. |
| Algorithms | An app sorts what you see based on what keeps you watching for a long time. | Your feed doesn't show the world, just a selection. |
| Advertising | Influencers and games make money when you buy something or stay for a long time. | Who is making money here, and from what? |
| Privacy | Once something is shared, it's hard to take it back. | Would I also print this on a poster? |
| Cyberbullying | Mean messages and humiliation hurt online too. | Don't forward it, tell someone, save the evidence. |
Good conversation starters
- “Show me what's in your feed right now. Why do you think you're seeing exactly that?”
- “Have you ever gotten a message that seemed strange?”
- “How would you tell that a giveaway isn't real?”
- “What would you do if someone was being picked on in a group chat?”
- “Why do you think this app is free?”
Talk about your own mistakes, too. When parents admit that they almost fell for a scam email themselves, it's easier for children to open up.
Media literacy in Kydly
Kydly includes 15 topics on the internet, algorithms, advertising, privacy, scams, cyberbullying, AI and gaming. Children learn with cards and quiz questions without grades; their answers are not reported to parents. Parents get background information and conversation starters to bring up the topic at the dinner table. Media literacy is part of Premium.
Frequently asked questions
When should I talk to my child about phishing?
As soon as they receive messages or play games with chat. Even elementary school children understand simple rules like “Never pass on codes”.
How do I explain an algorithm to a child?
As a sorting machine that learns what keeps you watching for a long time and shows you more of it. That makes it clear that the feed isn't a neutral selection.
Where can I find current scams?
The German consumer advice center Verbraucherzentrale regularly publishes current warnings in its Phishing-Radar.
Get to know Kydly
Try Kydly first with sample data in the demo, or download the app. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Sources and further information
This guide is published by the provider of the Kydly app. It does not replace individual legal, medical or educational advice. Information about Kydly describes the app as of the date stated; the Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use and the terms Apple displays before purchase are binding. Legal documents (privacy policy, terms of use, legal notice) are available in German and English.