Media Consumption in Children – How Much Is Healthy?

Many parents know this scenario: After a long time, good friends are finally visiting again, or in another case, mom needs to make an important phone call. Just then, the little ones get very active and are hardly calm. In many cases, only one thing helps now: the little ones are parked in front of the smartphone, tablet & Co. This almost always has the desired effect. In such a situation, there is nothing wrong with this. However, it should not become a habit. But how much media consumption is healthy for children, and what dangers do too much media exposure bring? We have summarized the most important facts.

Media & Children: These are the Risks

The little ones cannot yet read and write but know exactly how to operate a smartphone. However, parents should be aware: too much media consumption in children can impair development. Especially in the first years of life, the little ones learn to coordinate and properly classify various sensory impressions. Therefore, they need experiences that stimulate as many senses as possible. Playing with a smartphone or other media only stimulates the eyes and ears. Media abuse can also lead to children becoming socially isolated and showing aggressive behavior at an early age. Furthermore, attention and concentration weaknesses can result, which in turn can affect school performance. It is not uncommon for little ones to suffer from overweight, as well as eye problems, headaches, neck, shoulder, or back pain even at a young age. Sleep disorders in children are also not uncommon.

Media Consumption in Children: Moderation is Key

The same applies to media and children: moderation is key. Those who are allowed to play with a smartphone occasionally certainly do not face health-endangering risks. The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth gives the following recommendations:

• Children up to seven years: maximum 30 minutes daily
• Eight to nine years: maximum 45 minutes per day
• Children up to eleven years: at most one hour of media use daily
• Up to thirteen years: up to 75 minutes per day

In the digital age, even the youngest are interested in TV, smartphones, tablets & Co. Although the ministry does not give explicit recommendations here, parents should strongly limit media consumption in young children. Toddlers under two years should not have access to media yet. After that, media use of about ten to twenty minutes is harmless.

Media Content for Children: What to Consider

It is clear: dealing with media is indispensable in our time. Therefore, parents should not completely forbid their children from using media. After all, they will need to navigate the media world later. However, mom and dad should pay attention to what media content children consume. It should be educationally meaningful on the one hand but not overwhelm the little ones. Especially toddlers should only use media together with parents or older siblings. Here, mom and dad can explain critical or difficult content understandably. Otherwise, there is a risk that the little ones will quickly be influenced by certain media content.

Healthy Media Consumption in Children: Helpful Tips for Parents

For healthy media consumption in children, parents should consider the following tips:

1. Set a good example of media use for the little ones.
2. An own smartphone is only recommended for children from the age of eleven. Explain the device thoroughly to the child and point out possible dangers.
3. Parents should not be too critical of media and should always be available as contact persons for children.
4. Set up appropriate parental controls. This way, you avoid the risk that the little ones become victims of subscription traps or data misuse.
5. Whether during meals or various family activities: set internet-free times that apply to all family members.

Internet vs. Reality: Offering Children Enough Alternatives

Parents should not completely forbid their children from using media. After all, media are part of our time. However, if children fall into media addiction, there is usually only one reason: they lack attractive alternatives. Mom and dad should therefore pay attention early on to inspire the little ones to a hobby. In addition, games are important in which children have to use their imagination. Role-playing games are not only a lot of fun for the children but also promote their creativity. The family business howa has the right toy for every age. And the best part: there are no specifications here. The little ones have to use their brains to develop creative play ideas. The range includes walker wagons, motor skills cubes, dollhouses, play shops, play kitchens, and much more. Image rights: ©iStock / AzmanL