Even before they can walk, many children are magically attracted to screens. It is up to parents to find appropriate ways to manage their children's media use. A recent study sheds light on how they accomplish this.
Digital devices have become an integral part of the lives of children and young people. Smartphones, tablets and computers are used for school purposes as well as for entertainment and exchange. Parents are increasingly required to effectively regulate their children's media use and counteract potential excessive consumption. A current study provides insights into how parents in Germany limit their children's screen use and what strategies they use to do so.
The survey by the digital association Bitkom, in which over 900 children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18 in Germany were surveyed, shows that almost half (46 percent) of parents set specific time restrictions for the use of digital media if they do not school purposes. Such rules are particularly widespread among younger children. 67 percent of six to nine year olds and 69 percent of ten to twelve year olds have clear time limits for the daily use of smartphones, tablets and similar devices.
However, for older adolescents, the number of parental instructions decreases significantly. Only 36 percent of parents of 13 to 15 year olds determine a maximum usage time. From the age of 16, time requirements of only five percent are the exception, which indicates that older young people are increasingly taking more responsibility for their media consumption.
Increase in media use with age
The permitted usage time for media also increases with age. While children aged six to nine are allowed to spend an average of 50 minutes per day on digital devices, the limit increases to 90 minutes for ten to twelve year olds. For 13 to 15 year olds, the average daily screen time allowed is 115 minutes, while 16 to 18 year olds are allowed to use screen media for around 117 minutes – if there are any time restrictions at all.
These values illustrate the growing influence of digital media on the everyday lives of children and young people. In addition to using them for school activities, they also use the devices for chatting, playing games and streaming content. The Bitkom research emphasizes the importance of parental supervision, especially for younger children who have not yet developed solid media routines.
As early as 2019, the BZgA warned about problematic media use
A study by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) showed how relevant this parental control is five years ago. In 2019, the BZgA pointed out that 22.4 percent of 12 to 17 year olds in Germany use digital media problematically. In addition, 5.8 percent of young people are already affected by a computer or internet-related disorder.
The permanent availability of digital content was particularly viewed as critical at the time, as it could tempt children and young people to intensify their media consumption. The BZgA therefore advised setting clear boundaries and planning joint activities without media.
Advice for parents: Set an example and consciously spend time together
Both the current Bitkom study and the BZgA results underline the role of parents as role models with regard to media consumption. Parents should not only keep an eye on their children's digital usage time, but also reflect on their own behavior. Dr. Heidrun Thaiss, the former head of the BZgA, pointed out in 2019 that digital media can be useful, but should not affect family life. Shared activities without digital devices – such as board games, sports or walks – should be regularly integrated into your daily routine.
The BZgA further recommends that children under three years of age should not use screen media and that a maximum usage time of 30 minutes per day is appropriate for children between three and six years of age. For children between six and ten years old, 45 to 60 minutes per day is recommended. These guidelines are intended to support parents in making their children's media consumption healthy and protecting them from potentially negative effects.
From (fski/spot)
