Media addiction expert advises – Dear parents, monitoring mobile phones is okay – but one point is crucial

In an increasingly digitalized world, smartphones are becoming an increasingly integral part of everyday life, even for children and young people. These devices are not only a means of communication, but also provide access to a wide range of content, much of which is not age-appropriate. The question of whether parents have the right to control their children's cell phones is therefore not only justified, but often necessary for safety reasons.

The responsibility of parents

Parents are responsible for the well-being of their children and this responsibility also extends to the digital world. For many children and young people, the smartphone is not only a tool for communication, but also a gateway to social networks, messenger services and the entire Internet. Here, children can easily come into contact with inappropriate or even dangerous content that can impair their intellectual and emotional development.

It is important to understand that children are often unable to fully appreciate or properly assess the risks associated with smartphone use, so it is the responsibility of parents to protect their children by monitoring their online activities and intervening when necessary.

Which content can be problematic?

Parents who monitor their children's chats and online activities often do so for a reason. There are numerous examples of problematic content that children could receive or share on their smartphones:

1. Critical stickers and memes: Messenger services such as WhatsApp or Telegram offer a variety of stickers and memes that can be easily spread. While much of this content is harmless, there is also some that convey racist, sexist or otherwise problematic messages. Such content can lead to a distorted worldview in children and young people or draw them into inappropriate social circles.
2. Cyberbullying: Another major problem in digital communication is cyberbullying. Insults, threats or the targeted exclusion of classmates or other young people can be spread quickly via messenger services. Victims of such attacks often suffer in silence, which can have serious psychological consequences. Parents who have access to their children's chats can recognize signs of bullying early on and act accordingly.
3. Child pornography content: Unfortunately, the issue of child pornography cannot be ignored in the context of smartphone use. Even in seemingly harmless chat groups, content that is harmful to minors and is criminally relevant can be shared. Children who receive such content unintentionally or due to peer pressure can be severely traumatized. It is therefore of the utmost importance that parents monitor this type of activity and intervene immediately if necessary.

How can parents take sensible action?

Controlling children’s smartphones requires a sensitive and respectful approach. It is important that parents act transparently and explain to their children the reasons for monitoring. An open discussion about the dangers of the Internet and the risks associated with the use of smartphones is essential. Children should understand that control is not based on mistrust, but on a legitimate need for concern.

1. Regularly check the chats: Parents should check their children's chats and social media activities at regular intervals. The idea is not to analyze every word, but to look for problematic content that could indicate the dangers mentioned above.

It is particularly important that this check takes place in the presence of the children. This strengthens trust and ensures transparency. It is a good idea to go through the chats together so that the children feel that they are being taken seriously and perceive the check as a measure for their safety.

It should be a joint “show and talk about” process, where the children present the content voluntarily. These agreements should ideally be made right at the start of cell phone use in order to set clear rules and expectations.

2. Use of child protection apps: There are numerous apps that can help parents monitor their children's smartphone usage. Such apps can trigger alerts when certain keywords or suspicious content are detected. This technique can be a first line of defense to identify problematic content at an early stage.

3. Open communication: Parents should encourage their children to talk openly about their online experiences. A trusting relationship is the best protection against the dangers of the Internet. If children know that they can talk about problematic content or experiences without fear of punishment, they will be more likely to turn to their parents if they get into trouble.

Legal aspects of surveillance

From a legal perspective, parents in Germany have the right to monitor the smartphone usage of their minor children. The right of education gives parents the power to control the use of digital media to ensure the well-being of their children. However, it is important to exercise this right responsibly and in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

Parents should always remember that monitoring is not a substitute for education. The aim is not to undermine the child's trust, but to protect him or her from dangers that he or she cannot yet fully understand.

Conclusion

In a world where children and young people are coming into contact with digital media at an ever younger age, parental monitoring of smartphone use is a necessary protective measure. Checking chats for problematic content such as critical stickers, cyberbullying or even child pornography is not only the right but also the duty of parents.

By taking a responsible and transparent approach, especially by jointly monitoring chats, parents can ensure that their children enjoy the benefits of the digital world without being exposed to the risks and dangers. Ultimately, it is about shaping children's digital freedom in a way that is safe and age-appropriate.