Finally 16
A lot is allowed at 16 - but not everything
What is allowed and when - parents and children sometimes argue about this, especially during puberty. That's completely normal. At 16, a lot of new freedoms are added, especially in leisure time. However, turning 16 also comes with a bit more responsibility. Here you can find out at a glance which rules apply according to the Youth Protection Act for behavior in public and what parents and children must observe.
What changes at 16?
What does the Youth Protection Act regulate?
The aim of the Youth Protection Act is to ensure the protection of children and young people on the internet and from certain dangers in public. This includes places such as pubs, clubs and discos, restaurants, cinemas (public film screenings) and other venues. In order to exclude possible dangers, the Youth Protection Act stipulates restrictions and bans on the presence of minors, regulates restrictions on sales as well as age and time limits. The provisions of the Youth Protection Act are primarily aimed at event organizers, traders and providers. However, they are also an important educational aid for parents. The regulations provide children and young people with important information on how to ensure age-appropriate protection from risks and dangers in society.
When it comes to surfing, gaming, clicking and zapping, youth media protection provides a protective framework for a healthy upbringing with digital media. Since May 1, 2021, the Youth Protection Act has also explicitly included regulations on youth media protection in the digital space. A uniform definition of media has been introduced for broadcast and telemedia. An important addition to the Youth Protection Act in the area of media protection is the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (JMStV). This regulates the protection of minors in the area of broadcasting. It also flanks the provisions of the Youth Protection Act in the area of the Internet. It ensures that children and young people are also protected from harmful or damaging content in this area.
Where can we find help and advice?
- The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Kinder- und Jugendschutz Nordrhein-Westfalen e. V. (AJS NRW) in Cologne provides advice and information on child and youth protection. The service hotline can be reached on 0221 921392-33. e-mail: info@ajs.nrw. Internet: www.ajs.nrw
- When it comes to compliance with rules and youth protection or if there are ongoing family conflicts, parents and young people can seek advice from their local youth welfare office. To search the database of youth welfare offices, go here.
- Professional help with conflicts and problems in the family can be obtained from a parent counseling center. You can find a counseling center near you via the portal of the bke Bundeskonferenz für Erziehungsberatung e.V or via the portal of the DAJEB Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Jugend- und Elternberatung e.V.
- If you are desperate or in an acute conflict situation, you can call the number against grief. The counseling service for parents is available free of charge on 0800 111 0 550.
- The children and youth hotline of the Nummer gegen Kummer can be reached free of charge on 116111.
- Counselling and help on the subject of sexualized violence against children and young people can be found here: Landesfachstelle Prävention sexualisierte Gewalt NRW.
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