30 years Kija Tirol: together strong for children's rights and protection!

30 years Kija Tirol: together strong for children's rights and protection!

Big is celebrated in Tyrol this year: The Children's and Youth Attorney Tyrol (Kija) looks back on 30 years of successful work. On the occasion of this anniversary, a festive event took place in the Landhaus Innsbruck under the motto "Together for Children's Rights", which started with a youth conference, in which around 50 young people from all over Tyrol came together. This conference offered young people the opportunity to actively contribute their concerns and ideas.

At a press conference, the central importance of child rights and current challenges such as bullying, youth protection on the Internet and discrimination was emphasized. Among other things, State Councilor Eva Pawlata, the children's and youth lawyer Lukas Trentini and the student Antonella Cizmesinkin were present. Trentini, who heads a multi -professional team of eight specialists, reported about 900 consultations and 300 workshops, which were carried out at schools and kindergartens from January to May 2025.

focus on digital security

The digital space is both a place of learning and danger for children and adolescents. According to the recent reports from Jugendschutz.net, there were violations of youth media protection in 2024 over 17,630. In this context, the work of the Kija becomes even more important. The most common concerns of young people concern protection against violence in schools, in leisure time and especially on the Internet. The sensitization of parents and teachers on media literacy is essential.

Federal Minister of Youth Karin Prien emphasized that responsibility for the protection of children and adolescents lies with the providers of online platforms. Necessary legal framework conditions must be enforced to create a safe environment. The reports of sexual harassment and extremist content that specifically address young people, especially in the gaming area, are particularly worrying.

strengthening community and inclusion

A central concern of Antonella Cizmesinkin, who works as a school spokeswoman and member of the Innsbruck youth advisory board for equal opportunities, it is to combat discrimination against young people with disabilities through inclusion in the education system. These are important steps on the way to a fairer society in which all children and adolescents have the same opportunities.

In order to improve the accessibility of the kija, contact with young people is also expanded via digital channels such as WhatsApp and social media. The role of the Kija as an indispensable part of the protection and support system for young people was underlined by Governor Anton Mattle. He emphasized how important it was that children can contact the Kija anonymously and free of charge to strengthen their rights and report grievances.

The Kija Tirol has not only proven a great commitment in society in the past 30 years, but also continuously works on protecting and promoting the rights of children and young people. In a world that is constantly changing, the task of creating a safe environment for the next generation remains as challenging as it is important.

Further information on the work of the kija can be found at MeinDZIRD and on the challenges in the digital space at BMFSFJ .