“Data protection goes to school” initiative

The “Data protection goes to school” initiative raises awareness among pupils nationwide, from Year 5 to vocational school, about the safe and conscious use of the internet and social media.

Children and young people have long been using computers, smartphones and tablets as a matter of course. It is therefore particularly important to us to raise young people’s awareness of how to be safer online.

Founded in 2009 by the Professional Association of Data Protection Officers in Germany (BvD) and continued since 2020 by its non-profit organization privacy4people, the “Data protection goes to school” initiative shows students simple ways in which they can better protect their personal data – without having to forego modern forms of communication.

To this end, the initiative has developed awareness-raising presentations specifically for young Internet users in lower and upper secondary schools and for classes at vocational schools. They offer pupils clear and simple rules of conduct for more safety online – geared towards the world in which children and young people live.

Topics include:

  • Develop secure passwords
  • Encrypt connections
  • Understanding viruses and Trojans
  • Better protect your own privacy
  • Self-presentation on the Internet
  • Recognize legal boundaries on the Internet

In total, the “Data protection goes to school” initiative has so far reached around 100,000 pupils across Germany (as of March 2024).

Our lecturers

The volunteer instructors are experienced data protection experts who have undergone training to raise awareness among school classes. The content of the awareness-raising concept is constantly being developed by a team of volunteers and thus remains up to date in terms of the law and technology.

The events are designed to last 90 minutes. With a lively presentation, video clips and practical examples from everyday life, the lecturers inspire young people throughout Germany. The students talk about their own experiences and discuss possible solutions together.

For teachers

In the 5th updated version of the teacher handout, teachers receive working materials to independently deal with individual aspects of data protection in their teaching units. We also offer workshops for the teaching staff to give them more confidence in dealing with the internet and co.

For parents

Children and young people are often more knowledgeable about the Internet than their parents. That’s why we offer parents’ evenings where they can find out about risk-free online use. Our instructors give practical tips without unnecessarily stirring up fears and answer questions about safety and liability risks, among other things.

Free of charge for school classes

The initiative offers awareness-raising events free of charge for school classes. Travel costs may be incurred. For parents’ evenings and teacher workshops, we charge a flat rate of € 150.

Regular action days

The initiative regularly organizes campaign days. These are either distributed nationwide (usually on Safer Internet Day) or take place at a school where as many teachers as possible raise awareness among a large number of pupils on one or more days.

Here you will find an overview of all the initiative’s action days held to date.

Other events / topics in which we have participated:

Would you like to find out more about the offer or are you already planning an awareness-raising event or a teacher or parent workshop? We look forward to hearing from you: kontakt@dsgzs.de


The “Data protection goes to school” initiative, which has been recognized by the “Germany – Land of Ideas” initiative, has been supported by the DATEV Foundation Future since October 2015.

In addition, the following companies and institutions have supported the “Data protection goes to school” initiative through sponsorship since 2012.

To the privacy policy of privacy4people gGmbH

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