Media Consumption – In Moderation and for Fun
Today, children are exposed to all kinds of digital media at a very early age. This also affects brain development. The extent of this impact and the direction it takes depend on the child’s age, the content, and the duration of use. One thing is clear: children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable.
The consequences: The constant barrage of rapidly changing stimuli trains the brain to seek out new stimuli. This can shorten attention spans and reduce sustained focus. Planning, impulse control, and self-regulation develop more slowly. Children have less practice in empathy, facial expressions, and conversation. Their tolerance for “slow” activities such as reading and learning also decreases.
The following recommendations are provided for parents on how to use screen-based media responsibly:
- You are the role model.
- No media for children under 3 years of age.
- Support your child, keep the conversation going with them about media, and talk about what they’ve seen. Choose content together, use the Internet together, and watch movies on TV together.
- Establish clear rules regarding screen time and usage. Use apps if necessary.
- Make sure to choose topics that are appropriate and educational. Learn about “child-safe” content: Be sure to avoid violence and other age-inappropriate topics, advertising, links, or in-app purchases, as well as fast-moving and flashing animations.
- No use of electronic devices while doing homework or eating together.
- Do not use media as a reward or punishment.
- Do not use the media as a “babysitter.”
- TVs, computers, and game consoles don't belong in a child's bedroom.
- No screen time right before bedtime.
Tips on the Duration of Media Consumption
As a general rule: no media for children under 3! Talk, sing, and play with your child. Face your child directly, and don't look at your smartphone while pushing the stroller!
Guidelines for Media Consumption (Screen Time)
- For 3- to 5-year-olds: 30 minutes a day (with an adult, if possible)
- Children ages 6 to 9: 60 minutes per day+ (supervised if possible)
- Ages 10 and up: 10 minutes of screen time per year of age per day
General Indications of Harm Caused by Media Use
- Your child is irritable and restless when he or she can't use media.
- Your child uses media to take their mind off their troubles.
- Your child is neglecting their daily routine in order to have more time for media.
Negative Consequences of Excessive Media Use
- Lack of physical activity, with its resulting negative impact on motor and fine motor skill development, back problems, postural issues, and obesity
- Concentration problems/learning difficulties (especially reduced long-term memory)
- Difficulty falling asleep
- irreparable visual impairments
- Slow and/or impaired speech development
- increased risk of developing depression, (social) anxiety, anxiety disorders, social behavior disorders, and escapism
Promoting Brain Development
- Direct activities between parents and their child (games, shared activities)
- actively exploring the world while playing with peers
- Role-playing, running around, and drawing are all forms of learning
- Physical Activity and Sports – Time Spent Being Active Is More Important Than Screen Time
- "Real" physically active play—promotes gross motor skills and social skills
- Hearing voices, melodies, and sounds from the spirit world in moderation
- have many sensory experiences
The brain develops most rapidly during the first 5 years.