In the quiet town of Bergisch Gladbach, Assaf Landschaft, a 49-year-old computer scientist, finds himself in an unexpected battle: a battle to protect his children from the horrors of war being broadcast online. Having lived in Germany for 20 years, the father of two boys, aged 11 and 13, is deeply concerned about the traumatic impact that the relentless flow of violent images from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could have on his sons.
The origin of this worry is rooted in the brutal tactics employed by Hamas during the October 7 massacre. As terrorists documented their violent actions—executions, kidnappings, and attacks on Israeli citizens—the images and videos were shared without restriction on social media platforms such as X, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The graphic content, often marked with alarming warnings like "Danger: cannot unsee," circulated rapidly, drawing the attention of viewers worldwide, including in Germany. The horrors didn't stop there, as the ongoing violence in Gaza also began to dominate the online space, with disturbing images of Palestinian suffering now contributing to the digital outpouring of pain and grief.
For Assaf, the pervasive presence of such images has become a source of great anxiety. He acknowledges the significant impact of these visuals on society, but his primary concern lies with his children. "The internet has become a battlefield," he says. His sons, like most kids their age, spend a lot of time on their mobile phones, where they are susceptible to encountering images and videos that are incomprehensible and harmful. While the internet is generally an exciting space for exploration and learning, right now, it feels as though it is a battleground where children are exposed to violence and hate at every turn.
But despite his concern, Assaf faces an inevitable truth: he cannot control every aspect of what his children are exposed to online. He can’t simply take away their devices, as that would hinder their ability to interact with their peers and participate in digital spaces that are essential for their development. Instead, he has opted to rely on open dialogue to help guide them through the complexities of the information they encounter online.
"I can't ultimately control what they see on the internet," Assaf admits. As a father and computer scientist, he knows that his children are tech-savvy and able to bypass restrictions placed on apps and websites. Instead, he focuses on teaching them critical thinking skills and the importance of distinguishing reliable sources from propaganda. This is no easy task, as the nature of the conflict and the rapid spread of misleading information makes it harder for anyone, especially young minds, to navigate the digital landscape.
In addition to his efforts with his children, Assaf has observed a noticeable shift in the online environment. Even platforms like LinkedIn, traditionally a space for professional networking and knowledge exchange, have been overtaken by discussions about the conflict. What was once a forum for career development is now filled with political posts, often pressuring individuals to take sides. Assaf laments that the focus on finding common ground and exchanging views has given way to a fierce desire to be right, adding to the polarization that already exists in society.
In Israel, parents have been calling for the deletion of apps like TikTok, concerned about the exposure their children have to disturbing content. However, Assaf finds this approach somewhat impractical. "My children are smart and can bypass controls," he explains. Thus, he prefers to engage in direct conversations with them about the ongoing situation in Israel, his homeland. Through these discussions, Assaf aims to instill an understanding of how to filter news and identify credible sources from false narratives.
But while Assaf tries his best to protect his children, the reality is that the digital battlefield is vast and difficult to control. In an era where information—often unfiltered and sensationalized—spreads faster than ever, keeping young minds safe from harmful content requires not just vigilance, but also a commitment to equipping them with the tools to critically engage with the media they consume. For Assaf, the most important aspect of this effort is fostering an environment of trust and dialogue, where his children can feel comfortable approaching him with questions and concerns.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, parents like Assaf will remain at the forefront of the fight to protect their children from the trauma that can so easily seep through the screens of their device.
https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/jewish-life-in-germany-a-sudden-ominous-sense-of-insecurity-a-e21696e4-35f8-4c32-9300-f875885ef638