approx. 6 min read
As a mother of two children, I see every day how appealing digital media is to our little ones. The glowing screens, the colorful apps, and the endless possibilities offered by the internet have a magical pull on them. But this fascination also carries dangers. I would like to share my experiences and address how media addiction develops in children, what risks are involved, and how we as parents can guide our children toward a healthy relationship with media.
It often starts quite harmlessly. A game on the tablet as a reward, a short film for distraction, or an educational program for school. But occasional use can quickly become a daily routine. I have noticed that my children reach for the tablet or smartphone more and more often as soon as they feel bored or need a break. Let's be honest, we parents are not entirely blameless in this. All too often, we hand the smartphone to the kids so we can have a conversation without shouting, finish a task, or simply take a breather. Digital media are ubiquitous and easily accessible, making it easy to slip into excessive use.
According to a study by the Stiftung Kindergesundheit, children aged 8 to 12 spend an average of four to six hours a day in front of screens. Adolescents aged 13 to 18 spend seven to nine hours a day on digital media.
I see every day the potential dangers that excessive media use brings:
- Physical health: My children occasionally complain of headaches or eye problems after long periods in front of the screen. The lack of exercise caused by sitting for hours also leads to an increase in obesity.
- Social isolation: Instead of playing outside with friends, they often spend time alone in front of the screen. This means they have fewer real-life social contacts and have difficulty communicating in face-to-face conversations.
- Decline in school performance: Constant distraction from digital media impairs their concentration and can lead to poorer academic performance. I notice how difficult it is for them to concentrate on their homework when the tablet is just a click away.
- Psychological distress: The pressure to be present on social networks and constantly stay up to date can lead to stress and low self-esteem in children and adolescents.
These dangers are real, even if I never wanted to believe it as a child. My mother always warned me that if I spent too much time in front of the television, the television would implode and suck everything in. Me too. Fascinating. So from that point on, I held on tight to the sofa and kept watching television to witness this spectacle. A good example of how scare tactics fail. Personally, it is important to me to teach my children good self-regulation. This applies to many areas—food, sweets, sleep, and media too. Easier said than done.
In my search for solutions, I came across the association "Aktiv gegen Mediensucht e.V." This association does valuable work by educating families about the dangers of media addiction and offering support. “Reality must remain more exciting than virtual worlds,” writes Ronald Stolz on the website of the association Aktiv gegen Mediensucht e.V.. A sentence I would like to underline ten times. In my conversation with Ronald Stolz, I learned more about his motivations and, to be honest, my view on media addiction has changed since then. Ronald is a “hardcore” World of Warcraft player. For 15 years. With the typical health and social consequences. To spare others this fate, to educate parents, and to provide support to those affected, Ronald founded the association Aktiv gegen Mediensucht e.V.
A study by the University of Lübeck and the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (PINTA Study) found that about 3% of adolescents aged 14 to 17 are addicted to the internet. This corresponds to about 100,000 adolescents in this age group. The foundation for this behavior is laid earlier. That is why it is also the concern of the association Aktiv gegen Mediensucht e.V. to educate parents early on.
As a mother, I have learned that it is crucial to actively and consciously manage my children's media consumption:
- Lead by example: I try to consciously manage my own relationship with media. When my children see that I am not constantly glued to my smartphone, it sends an important message.
- Set rules and boundaries: We have introduced fixed times for media use. For example, mealtimes and one hour before bedtime are media-free times. We also have certain areas in the house, such as the dining room, that are completely media-free. This applies to parents too.
- Offer alternatives: I promote activities that have nothing to do with digital media. We exercise together, read books, or go on outings. This way, my children discover that there are many exciting things outside the digital world.
- Teach media literacy: I regularly talk to my children about the content they see online. We discuss what they have experienced and which information is trustworthy. We also play video games together. It is an interesting experience. After a while, we always argue. “Mom, time for a walk!” We have learned together to stop when it stresses us out.
When we stick to these rules, reality is more exciting than virtual worlds. It is an investment in our family's health and requires a lot of self-discipline.
Through our rules, I hope that my children will use media consciously. Playing should be fun—outside, with other children, and on the console. I do not believe in demonizing media. The television has not imploded to this day ;) In moderation, media is great. Smartphones make our lives easier, smartwatches allow us to give children an invisible safety leash. Good educational programs provide children with great content, and languages become easier to learn too. Through media, children can more easily stay in touch with Grandma, Grandpa, friends, etc. Period, period, period.
As a mother, it is a challenge to keep an eye on my children's media consumption while also raising them to have a healthy and conscious relationship with digital media. With clear rules, alternative activities, and a conscious choice about our media, I try to promote balanced media consumption.
If you need more information about media addiction, I can highly recommend the website of the association "Aktiv gegen Mediensucht e.V.".
To the website
