Media and Digital

Children today grow up in a media-rich environment that they find fascinating and exciting. The majority of families in Germany have a computer, a television, a tablet or other entertainment media that children love to use. Electronic devices are now part of our everyday lives and are playing an increasingly important role in the lives of younger children.

This makes it all the more important that your child is well prepared for the information that is conveyed to him through the media so that he can learn how to use it sensibly.

One of the most important tasks of education has become to support and guide children in this process so that they can develop the necessary "media literacy".

Parents are therefore faced with the challenge of, on the one hand, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by new technology and, on the other hand, limiting the use of electronic media.

Opportunities and risks of electronic media

You probably know the risks of regular media use: long periods of sitting, little movement, problematic content and overall less interaction with the outside world. Media use can also take away time for intensive learning, for activities alone or with others, or for sports and games.

But be careful: media should not just be demonized and banned! Because even if your child's use of electronic media may make you feel insecure, there are still significant advantages that new media bring with them. For example, they serve as an important source of information, enable new forms of learning, offer games, fun and entertainment, and encourage interaction with others.

Recommended media times

These include television, streaming, video, DVD, computer, tablet, game console, mobile phone and smartphone.

The "3-6-9-12 rule"

Which media is recommended for which age? You have probably already asked yourself this question. There is no blanket answer, but there is a rough rule of thumb that can serve as a guide.

1. Screen media not under 3 years
2. No own game console 6 years ago
3. No cell phone or smartphone 9 years ago
4. No unsupervised computer/internet use 12 years ago

It all depends on the right handling

Practicing the correct use of media is important. Children and young people learn this best through clear agreements and arrangements with their parents, i.e. with you. It is essential that these mutual agreements are understood by everyone involved and adhered to in everyday life. For example, fixed media times give the day structure and prevent daily discussions. In the morning before school, during meals and an hour before going to bed, the television and computer should be left off anyway.

Be a good role model and critically examine how you deal with media yourself. Your child will also find it much easier to give up television and computers if there are exciting alternatives and no room for boredom. So how about a trip to the pool, a bike ride, cooking together, doing crafts and much more.

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