More inquiries

More and more kids are seeking advice from their lawyer

There are new workshops on the topic of the digital world and cyberbullying.(Bild: EVELYN HRONEK)

300 cases were dealt with by the Ombud for Children and Young People last year - an increase of 30 percent.

Inflation, wars, environmental issues and the associated psychological stress are among the reasons why child and youth advocate Christian Netzer and his staff have their hands full. The number of cases processed increased by 30 percent compared to 2022. 27% of the 300 inquiries were submitted anonymously. Eleven percent came directly from children and young people. Solutions were found in 88% of cases, while the remainder were referred to other agencies, Netzer summarized in his latest activity report.

300 cases

were dealt with by Child and Youth Advocate Christian Netzer and his staff in 2023. Mental stress caused an increase in inquiries.

No specific focus
The concerns of children under 14 were generally about children's rights. For 14 to 18-year-olds, the topics revolved around general legal issues, criminal law or questions about custody/right of contact. Among 18- to 21-year-olds, the topics were mainly general legal issues. The concerns of adults related to school, kindergarten and playgroups or questions about custody and contact rights.

A specific focus did not emerge. "However, there were generally more inquiries about school and kindergarten, albeit with very different problems such as truancy, bullying, pedagogical procedures and discrimination," explained the child and youth advocate. The cases are also becoming increasingly complex and involve several areas of responsibility.

There were more inquiries about school, but with different problems such as absenteeism, bullying or educational procedures.

Christian Netzer, Kinder- und Jugendanwalt

Basic workshops and new services
Netzer and his colleagues also provide information about children's rights in schools. 653 pupils from 31 classes benefited from the "kija@school" offer last year - slightly fewer than in the previous year. The reason for this was an evaluation and redesign of the program. From this year, in addition to the basic workshops, there are also new offers focusing on the digital world and cyberbullying.

Another new addition to the program is a coordination and competence center for child protection concepts, whose employees support schools and associations. There is also a reporting office for border violations and abuse in sport.