Germany's youth face rising tide of digital sexualised violence in schools

Digital sexualised violence has become a widespread issue among young people in Germany. Nearly half of adolescents and young adults report experiencing online abuse, from sexualised insults to deepfake manipulation. Schools and experts are now stepping up efforts to address the problem through education and prevention. Over the past five years, digital sexualised violence has remained a persistent threat, particularly for minors. A recent BIÖG survey found that two-thirds of adolescents and young adults have faced incidents like harassment, deepfakes, or sexualised bullying. In 2025 alone, nearly a quarter of minors reported cybergrooming—where offenders initiate contact online before escalating to abuse.

Many violations occur within friend groups or class chats, often due to naivety and a lack of awareness about consequences. Teachers recognise the importance of tackling the issue but frequently feel unprepared to handle it effectively. Parents, too, are being urged to reflect on their own digital behaviour and discuss boundaries with their children. Yasmina Ramdani, a prevention specialist, has led workshops in Thuringia schools for three years, reaching around 5,000 students. Using a bingo-sheet approach, she engages pupils in conversations about their experiences with apps and explains key terms related to online violence. Her work highlights how early education can reduce harm. The issue gained further attention when actress Collien Fernandes publicly accused her ex-husband, Christian Ulmen, of digital violence. She claimed he created fake profiles and pornographic deepfakes targeting her. Cases like this have helped shift perceptions, showing that perpetrators are often known to victims rather than strangers.

Experts stress that investing in prevention is far more cost-effective than dealing with the long-term effects of digital sexualised violence. Schools, parents, and communities are being encouraged to take proactive steps in educating young people. Without intervention, the problem is likely to persist, affecting more adolescents and young adults in the years ahead.