The Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (Jugendmedienschutz-Staatsvertrag, JMStV) is an important set of regulations in Germany aimed at protecting children and young people with regard to media content. The JMStV defines which content in the media may and may not be accessible to children and young people. It applies to broadcasting and telemedia and covers both traditional media such as television and radio and new media such as the Internet.

Historical background

The JMStV was introduced in 2003 and has since been amended several times to reflect the constantly changing media landscape and technological developments. It is part of the dual system of youth media protection in Germany, which also includes the Youth Protection Act (JuSchG).

Goals of the JMStV

The main objectives of the JMStV are:

• Protecting children and young people from harmful media content.
• Ensure that media content that may affect the development of children and adolescents is aired only at times when they are not likely to be watching.
• Promoting media literacy among children and young people.
• Helping parents parent in the digital world.

Regulations of the JMStV

Age rating and labeling

The JMStV requires that certain media content be marked with an age rating. These age ratings are intended to ensure that children and young people only have access to content that is suitable for their age. The age ratings range from “from 0 years” to “from 18 years”.

Broadcasting times and access restrictions

The JMStV contains provisions on the broadcasting times of content that is classified as potentially harmful to children and young people. Such content may only be broadcast at certain times when children and young people are less likely to be watching. Access restrictions such as passwords or age verification systems can be used for online content.

Prohibited content

The JMStV prohibits certain content that is considered particularly harmful to children and young people, such as glorification of violence, pornography or discrimination.

Complaint mechanisms

The JMStV provides for complaint mechanisms that allow citizens to raise concerns about media content that may violate the provisions of the JMStV.

Competent authorities

The state media authorities are responsible for enforcing the JMStV. They monitor compliance and can impose sanctions for violations.

Challenges and criticism

The JMStV faces challenges, especially with regard to the rapid development of media technology and the globalization of the media landscape. Critics complain that some provisions are outdated and not effective enough to protect children and young people in the digital world. There is also criticism that enforcement is difficult due to the global nature of the Internet.

Significance of the JMStV

The Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media is an essential instrument for protecting children and young people from potentially harmful media content in Germany. It helps create a safe media environment and promote media literacy among children and young people. At the same time, it provides parents with tools to support their children in the digital world.

Conclusion

The JMStV plays a crucial role in German media law. Given the ever-changing media landscape, it is important that the JMStV is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains effective and guarantees the protection of children and young people in a digital world.