JugendschutzStaatsvertrag

Jugendschutz, or youth protection, refers to a framework of laws, policies, and practices designed to shield children and adolescents from content, products, and environments that could harm their development or well-being. It covers areas such as media, commerce, advertising, entertainment venues, and online spaces, and relies on cooperation between authorities, providers, retailers, parents, schools, and community organizations. In texts, the term is sometimes abbreviated, and “JugendschutzSt…” may appear as a shorthand referring to youth protection legislation such as the Jugendschutzgesetz.

In Germany, the term is closely associated with the Jugendschutzgesetz (JuSchG). This law sets age-based access rules for media, events, and goods; restricts the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and other age-restricted items to minors; and governs supervision and protection at events. Independent rating bodies such as the FSK (for films) and the USK (for video games) classify content to guide uptake by retailers and guardians. The Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien (BPjM) oversees classifications of media considered especially risky for youths. Enforcement involves local authorities, retailers, broadcasters, and schools, and violations can carry penalties.

Beyond law, Jugendschutz includes digital safety measures, parental controls, and education on media literacy. The specifics vary by country and jurisdiction, and processes integrate national regulations with European and international guidelines. The aim is to balance access to information and entertainment with protection from harmful content, exploitation, or unsafe settings for minors.