Violence In Videos

There are regulations on violent videos in the Youth Protection Act. Get smart!

Hardly any smartphone does not have an integrated camera, so filming and taking photos is easy everywhere. Many people like to share photos or videos from their lives via Instagram, Snapchat or WhatsApp groups.

The video function also makes it easy to quickly spread information that is forbidden, such as sharing violent videos. Often, the distribution happens without thinking about the consequences it can have. Apart from the fact that the suffering of others is a more than questionable entertainment, you can also make yourself liable to prosecution! Even though it may seem harmless to you, fun can quickly turn into contact with the police.

“Smack Cam”

A phenomenon that appears again and again in this context is called “smack cam” or “happy slapping”.  People film themselves beating up others. The filmed scene is then distributed as a video. Some scenes are staged, but others show real acts of violence. The videos spread very quickly via platforms like YouTube. So even if you take a video off the net, it has usually already spread far and wide and you no longer have a chance to get it completely off the internet.

Who is going to catch me?

Many people can’t imagine that they could ever be punished for something. They feel safe. But what if the victim files a complaint or someone reports the video? What if parents of the victim come across the video and report it to the police? No one can say in advance what will happen and what the consequences will be. You yourself decide what risk you take. After all, you also have to bear the consequences.

Right to one’s own image

Showing people in a negative light in photos or videos violates their right to their own image and they can report you to the police. In the case of “Smack Cam” videos, this is usually the case.

Complicity?

Great harm is done to the victims of humiliation and abuse: If you watch such a video, do you have some complicity?

Some videos may be staged. But the boundaries are often difficult to discern and it is often only a small step from a posed scene to a “real” scene. Everyone has to ask themselves these questions and find an answer for themselves when they share or consume such videos.

Would you find the same video cool if you were the victim? Just think about it.

Dare – don’t join in!

You know how it is; sometimes you wish you hadn’t seen certain things. Cruel images can really upset you, even if you often don’t like to admit it. Often you let others persuade you so that you don’t look stupid. But where are the others when the images continue to haunt you? And will they stand by you when you are sitting with the police? Only do what you want to do yourself and where you have a good feeling about it! The cool person is the one who does what he or she wants. Even if not everyone has the same opinion.

For further help and support  — Speak with a licensed therapist today.