Germany's First Large-Scale Project Tackles Digital Sexual Violence in Schools

A three-year pilot project in Thuringia has brought digital sexualised violence into sharp focus. Yasmina Ramdani led workshops in schools across the region, reaching around 5,000 students aged 11 to 15. The initiative, funded by the state's child protection office, was the first of its kind in Germany for its scale and approach.

The issue gained further attention after high-profile cases, including that of actress Collien Fernandes and actor Christian Ulmen, revealed how perpetrators are often known to victims rather than strangers. The project began by exploring how young people use media before moving into prevention strategies. Discussions covered topics like cybergrooming, where offenders target children and teens in chats before escalating to harassment or abuse. Nearly a quarter of minors reported experiencing this form of violence in 2025.

Many incidents also happen within friend groups or class chats, often due to naivety and a lack of awareness about consequences. Teachers recognise the importance of addressing the issue but frequently feel unprepared to handle it. Parents, too, have a key role—by reflecting on their own behaviour, talking openly about boundaries, and respecting children's rights.

Beyond schools, tech platforms face scrutiny for their part in enabling digital violence. Critics argue that companies profit from systems that allow such harm to spread. Meanwhile, broader data from Germany's Federal Institute for Public Health shows nearly half of young people have encountered online sexualised violence.

Since the Thuringia project ended in 2023, no public figures exist on how many other German states have adopted similar workshops. The Thuringia pilot project provided prevention training to thousands of students and highlighted gaps in support for teachers. It also underscored the need for broader action, from parental guidance to platform accountability. While the initiative has concluded, its findings remain relevant as digital sexualised violence continues to affect young people nationwide.