We parents don't like to admit it, but we are very, very, very grateful for the breathing space that cell phones, tablets or even the television have given us in everyday life with our children. Without these short moments in which the child(ren) calm down, don't cry, scream, complain or want anything from you, they are worth their weight in gold.
It's just a shame that the screen time thing isn't the best time for kids. Because the minutes quickly add up. Here a quarter of an hour on the cell phone, there a little console time and in the evening an episode of your favorite series before going to bed. Yes, our children are growing up with an excess of screens.
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Although we (in the 90s) once spent an entire afternoon in front of the TV or the games console, everything was somehow more limited. Theoretically you could watch TV around the clock, but you could only watch what was on. There were no streaming services.
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Today things look a little different. As a parent, you wonder how much screen time is safe for your child, when you need to be particularly careful and how you can find a good balance?
That's what science says
Keeping children completely away from technology is utopian and absolutely unrealistic. After all, it is better to learn how to use cell phones, the Internet, etc. responsibly than to jump into the deep end unprepared.
So there are rules and boundaries that we should definitely give our children when using media such as the Internet, but also television.
Science agrees that less screen time is always better for children. That's probably no surprise.
The German Society for Child and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), in collaboration with the University of Witten/Herdecke, has developed specific medical guidelines for parents that are intended to serve as orientation.
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Because, according to scientists, excessive use of media and screens can make children sick. More specifically, an 'overdose of media consumption' can lead to computer gaming addiction, sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating and even loss of empathy. In addition, academic problems and a decline in performance are not uncommon when screen time becomes excessive.
Recommended screen time by age
The scientists therefore recommend the following times:
Children under three years oldIn their opinion, they don't belong in front of any screen, not even 'just in passing', for example when an older sibling is allowed to watch something on TV. Parents should also be careful not to constantly look at their cell phone when their child is present. You can also read more about the topic here:
Kinderbetween three to six yearsAccording to the experts, you should be in front of a screen for a maximum of 30 minutes. And it's best not to do it every day, but only now and then. In this way, you can slowly get a child used to media and not overwhelm them with too many impressions. It is also important that parents accompany their child during this experience.
Are childrenbetween six to nine yearsold, you can use a screen for 30 to 45 minutes. But ideally not every day, but on individual days and ideally after homework. Even at this age, it is still important for children to ideally accompany them when using them so that they can keep an eye on what exactly they are consuming.
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From the age of12 to 16 yearsScreen time is increasing significantly for most children, partly because of their own cell phone. The experts recommend limiting use to one to a maximum of two hours per day. Except if the child has to complete lessons on the PC or needs a screen for homework.
It also applies to this age group that you know what the child consumes and that they do not have unrestricted access to all content on the web. This is especially true for teenagers between the ages of 12 and 15.
It's also good to limit your use of screens in the evening. Children in this age group should sit in front of it no later than 9 p.m.
Between16 and 18 yearsPCs, cell phones and other screens are already part of many young people's everyday lives. Better than simply setting a time limit are rules that parents and children agree on when using the device. For example, that duties must be completed before playing on the console or PC, for example.
Parents lead by example
Of course, there can be a lot of discussions and arguments when children feel that they have been treated unfairly. So if parents are constantly in front of their cell phones, televisions or tablets, apart from working hours, this can make them unbelievable for the children.
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As is often the case in life, parents should set the best example when it comes to screen use. During the time when parents and children are together, there are no screens and you are there for each other.