RTL experiment with Steffen Hallaschka exposes alarming extent of digital assaults on September 11.
On September 11 at 8:15 p.m., RTL will highlight how easily children can become targets for sexual offenders online in an investigative TV experiment. Four years after the first edition of “Attack on Our Children,” which was nominated for a German Television Award, presenter Steffen Hallaschka once again addresses one of society’s most urgent issues in a major live broadcast. According to a 2024 survey by the North-Rhine Westphalia State Media Authority, one in four children aged 8 to 17 has already experienced cybergrooming.
For the experiment, two adult actresses posed as 12-year-old girls in online chats. Within days, they received dozens of approaches from people showing sexual interest in the supposed children. RTL reporter Maria Mack led the experiment after months of analyzing children’s social media behavior and the risks of sexual assaults in digital spaces with her team. She stayed connected to the decoys via headphones, advising them and providing support, assisted by media educator Saskia Nakari, who analyzed offender strategies and explained the emotional toll such experiences can take on children. The RTL verification team also helped identify suspects and passed information to law enforcement, leading to 15 criminal proceedings.
“Our experiment makes visible a crime against children that usually goes unnoticed and is dramatically underestimated,” says Steffen Hallaschka. “Cybergrooming perpetrators exploit platforms children use daily, being tricky and unscrupulous in their actions. As a moderator, I want to show why there is an urgent need for more protection and control. As a father, I encourage parents to watch closely and talk to their children about the dangers.”
Live discussions and expert insights
Throughout the evening, Hallaschka will guide viewers through the findings of the investigation and discuss them with experts in justice, psychology, prevention, and law enforcement, including psychologist Julia von Weiler and cybercriminologist Prof. Dr. Thomas-Gabriel Rüdiger. Together, they will contextualize the findings and address key questions: How can the state provide better protection? What can parents do to safeguard their children?
Interactive support for parents and viewers
„During the broadcast, parents and viewers will be able to engage directly through the Zebra Chat of the NRW State Media Authority, where they can ask questions, seek assistance, or file reports in real-time.
