You are sitting with your children having dinner together and talking, when suddenly your cell phone rings. How do you behave? Do you let family time get in the way?
Such situations probably exist in every family. Actually, it was agreed that the smartphone has no place during the meal. But if it rings mom’s bell, she may think it’s important and answer it anyway. But the rules should apply to everyone, right?
Be aware that parents and other adults have an important guidance function for children. Children learn from you how the world works and how to behave in certain situations. Your behavior therefore has a major impact on how your child uses media themselves. By setting an example of what a conscious approach to media can look like, you support your child in learning to use the smartphone and other media independently, sensibly and responsibly.
As young people get older, they also orient themselves more and more to their peers in their media use, and your influence as parents diminishes.
Perhaps your family also sometimes gets into arguments about media use, for example, when your child reaches for the smartphone out of boredom. They think it would be better if they read a book or played with friends instead. Just think about what you do yourself in your free time. Do you watch series in the media library or sometimes just play games on your cell phone? It’s not just about what media you use, but how often, in what situations, and what content.
You might consider what that looks like for each family member. How much time does each person spend with media and with other things? Is the ratio is okay for you. Agree with your family on rules about media time and cell phone-free times. For this purpose, you can, for example, jointly create a media usage agreement. Or use an app that lets you keep track of time on your screen. Often there is also the option to track screen time or set up limits in the mobile settings.
It is advisable to consciously incorporate screen-free times and activities into everyday family life in order to be able to process the media content and to allow the body to exercise.
Always keep in touch with each other – even when it comes to media. By taking an interest in your child’s media consumption, you build trust. Then your child will also take you seriously when you express concerns about certain apps or platforms, or come to you when they encounter unpleasant things about their media use. Younger children in particular should not be left alone with media. Talk about what they saw.
Also reflect on your own behavior on social networks and follow the advice you give your child – such as not posting photos without the consent of the people in them.
Everyday life is often stressful and it is sometimes difficult to keep agreements. One is exposed to the pressure to be constantly available. Talk about this with your child as well. Be honest with yourself and show understanding for your child. It can also be helpful to look together at which agreements are going well and which are going less well!
This scavenger hunt, which works with a smartphone or GPS device, is also fun for older kids and teens. Try it out and go on this special treasure hunt together with your child.
Geocaching involves using a GPS receiver to find small treasures that other players have hidden in different places. These caches are located in cans or jars of different sizes. The respective GPS location is registered on a platform, e.g. geocaching.com or opencaching.de, and can be saved and retrieved via app. Whoever finds a cache enters his or her name in a so-called logbook, which is attached to the cache. After that, the can is closed again and hidden in the same place, so that the next person also has to look for it.
Geocaching is a popular hobby among adults, children and teenagers. The treasures are hidden all over the world, so even on vacation you can go in search and discover exciting places. For some geocachers, it’s all about finding as many caches as possible and signing logbooks around the world.
There are caches in different categories and sizes. All important information is in the cache description. Some caches require special equipment for the search. With puzzle caches, tasks must be solved beforehand in order to get the GPS coordinates. Depending on the cache, children as young as 4 can join the treasure hunt. Older children can already read the descriptions themselves and be more independent in their search.
Some caches are not easy to find. This can quickly frustrate children. Therefore, read the cache description carefully beforehand. Often there are still important hints in the comments of the digital logbook (under each cache description). Occasionally it happens that a cache is no longer in hiding because someone has destroyed it or taken it away.
Some caches contain barter items, such as a toy figure or coin. Some items have a mission. For example, they are to get to another country or place by barter. All information is available on the geocaching platform. An important rule is that geocachers should search inconspicuously so as not to draw the attention of so-called muggles to the cache. Throwing away trash or destroying the landscape is not welcomed in the geocaching community and is against the rules of geocaching.
Every year in August, Cologne transforms into the Mecca of the computer and video game world for four days: Gamescom. This globally important trade fair attracts numerous visitors, including many children and young people with a passion for gaming.
Gamescom is Europe’s largest trade fair for interactive entertainment and is one of the most important in the world. Thousands of games enthusiasts from all over the world meet here. The focus is on computer and video games, their developers and the gaming community. Among other things, new games are presented on the large exhibition grounds, gameplay scenes are presented on live stages, there are lectures and shows, game corners, workshops and interviews with game developers. At some events, visitors can not only watch, but also play themselves.
gamescom 2024 will take place in Cologne from August 21 to 25, 2024.
Visiting Gamescom is a special experience for adolescents in different age groups. Everything revolves around gaming. You can discover lots of things and try out new games – if you want to queue up in the long lines.
For children up to 11 years old, there is a “Family & Friends” area where everything is tailored to the needs of the age group. This area is designed to be as stress-free as possible and offers a particularly wide range of variety and hands-on activities, such as play stations and a “Junior Club” where toddlers are guided by trained caregivers.
A key reason why young people are keen to attend Gamescom is the opportunity to see their favorite YouTubers and Let’s Players live. These stars of the scene are often on site and offer their fans exclusive meet-and-greets. There is a new feature this year: anyone wishing to visit the “Signing Area” this year must book a free time slot in advance.
Walking around Gamescom without adult supervision is the epitome of independence for many children. As a general rule, children under the age of 3 are not admitted to the fair. If your child is between 4 and 11 years old, they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. In fact, you should think carefully about whether your child can already handle the many stimuli at such an event.
Some parents with children under the age of 12 should make sure that their child is only allowed to play games that are appropriate for their age. At Gamescom, games for all ages may theoretically be presented, but in practice careful selection and attention is paid. are presented. Upon admission, each visitor will receive an age bracelet with different colors, analogous to the USK age ratings (12, 16 or 18 years), upon presentation of a photo ID. The USK checks every publicly presented game at Gamescom, so everything is clearly marked with the appropriate age limits. For games with a USK 16 or 18 rating, stand personnel must ensure that they are not actually visible or accessible to children – e.g. by providing privacy screens or separate rooms. Youth protection is a top priority here, as the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) is the official youth protection partner of Gamescom: at the entrance and at numerous stands within the event, every visitor will receive an age band with different colors, analogous to the USK age ratings (12, 16 or 18 years), upon presentation of a photo ID. The USK has checked every game publicly presented at Gamescom and every visible trailer so that everything is clearly marked with the appropriate age rating. For games and trailers with a USK 16 or 18, stand personnel must ensure that they are not actually visible or accessible to children – e.g. by providing privacy screens or separate rooms.
If your child is over 11 years old and independent enough to discover Gamescom on their own, you should still arrange a meeting point and time in each hall where the family can meet again briefly. Gamescom is very crowded, so it’s easy to feel lost. Also make sure that your child’s smartphone has enough battery or give them a piece of paper with your name and phone number on it. This is also recommended if, after careful consideration, you decide to allow your child (aged 12 or over) to visit Gamescom with friends without adult supervision. Also, arrange a set time and place to pick up your child. Also, keep in mind that food and beverage prices at trade shows are often relatively high.
Every year at the end of August, it’s time for Gamescom, the world’s largest trade fair for digital games. This is also where prizes are awarded for the best and most popular games. Digital games are an integral part of everyday life for many children and young people. But which games do they like to play the most? We have compiled a small list of currently popular games.
Minecraft is a kind of Lego for the computer or tablet in which virtual building blocks are used to create your own world with creativity and skill. The game is approved for ages 6 and up by the USK and is very popular with children from late primary school age. In survival mode, players have to try to survive while fighting monsters. In creative mode, the focus is on creating new worlds. You can read more in our Minecraft tool description.
The game, which was released in 2017, is still as popular as it was at the beginning, especially in the 12 to 15 age group. Fortnite is a so-called battle royale game in which players fight against each other. There are several game variants: In the paid mode “Save the World”, the aim is to build a fortress with other players to protect the last human survivors from zombies. The free version “Fortnite Battle Royale” is far better known and more popular, in which the aim is to kill all other players alone or in a team in order to survive. The game is rated for ages 12 and up. More about this in our tool description for the game.
Roblox is a very popular free-to-play game that can be played on game consoles, mobile devices and PC. It is characterized by the fact that players can create their own game modes and try them out with others or choose from an extensive list of community game modes. This makes it possible to create replicas of other games such as racers or fighting games, which means there is a very large selection of games to choose from. Roblox carries the “USK from 12 years” label. Certain content in the game may be unsuitable for children, which is why Roblox has developed its own system to restrict content according to age rating. Further information about the game can be found in our tool description.
Brawlstars is a mobile game in which players compete against each other with a selection of characters in battle royale mode. The graphics are very colorful and reminiscent of comics. The game can be played alone or in teams. To defeat others, players use the weapons and special attacks of the “Brawlers”, as the characters are called in the game. The rounds only last a few minutes. New characters must be unlocked in the game by purchasing loot boxes. The game is rated 6+. You can find more information about the game in our tool description.
EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) is the best-known series of soccer video games – as popular with young people as it is with adults. A new version has been published annually since 1993. You can use teams and their current footballers from real soccer leagues or put together your own. Some of these must first be drawn from so-called “packs” (loot boxes). It is approved for ages 12 and up. Learn more about it in our tool description.
New Horizons is about exploring and building on an uninhabited island. The islands of friends can also be visited. The game is designed for children and has no age restrictions. Teenagers and young adults also enjoy playing it. New Horizons can only be played on a Nintendo Switch and is part of a simulation game series. You can find our article on the game here.
The action and racing game is a perennial favorite among games and is particularly popular with older teenagers. GTA V (5) is the latest version of the popular game series. Players take on the role of a criminal and have to complete missions and tasks in a fictional city. The game has a USK rating from the age of 18. The online mode is particularly popular, where players can explore the city with their friends, complete missions and drive cars. There are dedicated servers for role-playing elements in which committing crimes takes a back seat. Young people often emulate their idols and play the game online with others, especially through well-known Twitch streamers. You can find out more about the game in our tool description.
Call of Duty is also a popular game series that has been successful for many years. Older teenagers in particular like this game. The current version Call of Duty : Modern Warfare III is a first-person shooter for the PC and many popular consoles. The popular battle royale mode is also available on mobile devices under the name Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. Players fight as soldiers against others at breakneck speed. The aim is to destroy enemies by force of arms or capture points. With a USK rating from 18, this game is not suitable for younger children due to the depiction of violence – see tool description.
The brochure “Level 30 – Digitale Spiele pädagogisch beurteilt” (“Level 30 – Digital games pedagogically assessed“) from Spieleratgeber NRW also provides a good overview of games that are popular with children and young people.
The younger children are, the less they feel the need to use media. In the first years of life, other things play a more important role: contact with parents, learning to walk and talk, and so on. Your child needs a lot of attention from you in the first months and years. Therefore, you should not be distracted by devices. Agree on rules with your whole family about how to handle media in the presence of your child. Because even at baby age, you have an important role model function. If you don’t want your child to use media a lot already, you should use the smartphone or similar in front of your child little or not at all.
The older your child gets, the more he or she will be exposed to media. It wants to do the same as older siblings, mom or dad. Your child begins to understand what media is and how it works. It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep your child completely away from media. Rules can help shape how young children and preschoolers interact with media.
In order not to overtax your child, you should slowly expand the range of media used. Analog picture books, for example, can gradually be joined by audio stories and music. Short video chats with family members are also possible.
Young children can’t yet judge when it’s too much. If you schedule media use as a fixed activity during the day, such as an episode of Sandman before bedtime, your child will perceive it as a ritual to follow. Avoid using media as a babysitter .
Up to the age of three, very little time should be spent in front of a screen during the day. At this stage, children discover the world best with all their senses – with their hands, eyes, nose and mouth. On-screen content can quickly overwhelm them.
Between the ages of three and five, no more than 30 minutes at a time should be spent in front of the screen. These times are only an orientation. You know your child best and know what they can already do and understand. It is important that you accompany your child in their media use and observe how they deal with what they see and can answer questions. If your child seems very upset afterwards, the usage time should be reduced.
Young children perceive media much more emotionally than adults. Some things they cannot yet process or understand. Therefore, close support from you as parents is important! Technical solutions cannot replace the conversation with you. When selecting content, be sure to check for age ratings and educational assessments, if applicable. Explain to your child why she is not yet allowed to watch certain series that her older sister may already be watching.
It is important to actually follow the rules that have been set. If your child is still young, you should only use media together anyway, and you can be mindful of time. For preschoolers who may already be able to watch a series on their tablet alone, limiting them to one episode helps. An egg timer can also be helpful, since time indications are still very abstract.
Talk to your child about the reasons for fixed screen time so they understand the rules. If children learn to use the media in a sensible and controlled way at a young age, this will also be easier for them later on.
Amelie, now 28, says she learned English from the lyrics of rapper Eminem. Many adults probably feel the same way. Through “television” via streaming platforms, a similar phenomenon has emerged: English or other languages are learned virtually incidentally by watching the series in the original. Does it really work and does it also work for children?
The foundations for language learning are laid in early childhood. If your child hears foreign languages at an early age, it may be easier for him to learn languages later in school. Watching favorite movies or series like Harry Potter for older kids or Peppa Wutz for the younger ones can be a way and combine learning and fun. Most children can already understand whole sentences out of context. Pictures and sounds help. Translating individual words is not necessary. This makes it easier for them to watch movies in other languages. If their favorite show is in English, children often don’t even realize that they’re not listening to their native language. They also like to watch episodes and movies endlessly. Because they already know what is happening, they understand the content better in another language and learn English words along the way.
With most platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube make it possible to watch films and series in the original language – often English. You can usually change the audio language in the bar below the video, where you can also pause the video. The language can be changed before or even during the movie. Often you can additionally display subtitles, e.g. in German or English. This can help teenagers or adults with comprehension if you don’t understand every word spoken. At first glance it may seem more complicated, but the brain quickly gets used to reading along. If the subtitles are also in English, you perceive the “foreign” language with different senses (hearing, seeing), which makes it even more memorable.
Some children find foreign languages easier than others. Once your child has learned some basics at school, watching movies and series in English can help reinforce the new language. It can also be an incentive and motivation especially for young people to increase their own vocabulary in order to watch English movies in the original language even more “relaxed”. For many, it’s even “cooler” to watch the hot series in the original. Of course, your child should only watch series and movies that are appropriate for their age. Info on how to guarantee this can be found at the parent guide here. Watching movies in English should be seen primarily as a tool and (unfortunately) does not replace vocabulary cramming. Also, make sure that your child enjoys it and that it does not turn into a chore that is done unwillingly.
Fortnite and Minecraft have long been among the most popular games among children and young people.
Perhaps your child also plays one of these games with great enthusiasm.
In addition to pure entertainment, playing games can also have added educational value and encourage your child’s creativity.
In this article, we explain what needs to be considered and what challenges arise.
Fortnite and Minecraft have been on the market for a number of years and continue to attract a great deal of interest from users thanks to new expansions.
Both games can be played on game consoles as well as on computers or mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Both games have different game modes. Fortnite was initially intended more as a cooperative shooter or survival game.
In Minecraft, on the other hand, building houses, cities and entire worlds has always been a central game principle.
In the classic modes of the games, however, creating tools and shaping the environment is dedicated to the purpose of defense: in Fortnite mainly against other players, in Minecraft against zombies.
In the meantime, the respective manufacturers have integrated a creative mode into both games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMGwtB5y940 In Fortnite‘s creative mode, players can build their own island alone or together with up to 15 friends.
And without any time pressure or attacks. For this purpose, the players have at their disposal not only the materials and components, but also ready-made objects. They can be customized and combined as desired to form entire cities or landscapes.
For example, there are objects in the categories Wild West, Factory, Music and Parkour.
In creative mode, players can visit the islands of friends and edit them further depending on the settings of their fellow players.
The special thing about Fortnite‘s creative mode is that players can not only create an island entirely according to their own ideas, but also adapt the rules of the game.
Settings can be made for the game mode or the time limit and the number of ammunition and resources. The game state or the construction progress is saved. Players can play with friends in battle mode on the specially created island.
Many players train here for battle royale mode.
Creative mode is one of five game modes in Minecraft. It focuses on the creation of extensive and artistic buildings. Unlike Fortnite, there are no prefabricated objects here. Players create buildings or even entire cities from building blocks made of different materials.
The simple blocks offer players the opportunity to create their own worlds according to their own ideas.
In creative mode, the materials are unlimited, the game state is always saved and there are no zombie attacks.
Characters cannot be harmed and do not have to eat any food during the game.
You can concentrate fully on building your own creations.
Both games offer children and young people the opportunity to creatively design virtual worlds themselves and move around in them with their characters.
When children build their own world together with others, this can have a positive influence on their willingness to cooperate and their social behavior.
This is because the players negotiate the design of new worlds together and help each other with building problems.
Minecraft is also used in schools, for example, to promote creativity and imagination among pupils.
In general, it can always make sense for children to agree on rules in advance when choosing games. If your child is a fan of Fortnite or Minecraft, ask them what they like about the games and have them show you the game. If your child has not yet discovered the creative mode, draw their attention to it.
This will allow your child to perceive the game in a completely different way and become active themselves.
When selecting games, pay attention to the USK age rating and your child’s level of development.
Play without pressure and battles – creative mode can be a good introduction to both games for younger children.
The NRW Game Guide has helpful articles on both games that provide a good overview of the respective content.
The radio used to be the first choice for listening to favorite shows or radio plays.
Today, it is mobile devices that make a huge selection of podcasts available.
Children are also avid listeners.
Whether exciting and funny stories, child-friendly news or music programs – there is something for every taste.
We give you a few recommendations for podcasts for children.
Podcasts are audio or video files that you can listen to or subscribe to on the Internet and sometimes save so that you can listen to or watch them again and again.
They are usually audio recordings.
New episodes are published regularly.
Most podcasts have an overarching theme such as sport, culture or news.
These are often series that are continued and not complete stories.
For example, there are true crime podcasts in which real criminal cases are retold.
Children love stories. If parents don’t have time to read aloud, audio plays and audio books are a good alternative.
The older children get, the more interesting podcast formats become.
There is a huge range of podcasts online, aimed at different age groups from around the age of 3.
Podcasts are available on various websites and via apps such as music streaming services or podcast portals.
You can find more good podcasts on platforms such as Spotify, Spotify Kids, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music. There you can display podcasts filtered by category.
Pay attention to existing age recommendations when making your selection. To date, there is no mandatory age rating as there is for videos or games. Podcasts can be published by virtually anyone. Please read the descriptions carefully to decide whether the podcast is suitable for your child. Listen to an episode before your child listens in. In principle, you should always listen to the first episodes of a new podcast series together and talk about them afterwards. Ask your child whether it was fun, whether they understood everything or what new things they learned – and, above all, whether they were frightened by anything. Is your child older? We also have Podcast recommendations for young people compiled.
Or try your hand at making your own podcast. This can a great project for the whole family be.
As the world’s largest video portal, YouTube is very popular with children and young people thanks to its variety of formats and topics. They subscribe to their idols‘ channels, participate in the community via likes and comments, post videos themselves and share the latest clips and trends.
YouTube presents challenges such as personalized advertising, content that is not age-appropriate or hate speech. Younger children are not yet able to deal with such hurdles on their own. That is why the provider Google parents with YouTube Kids and Parental Controls to make their child’s use of YouTube safer, depending on their age and stage of development.
YouTube Kids is a special video platform for children. It filters out child-friendly content using a special algorithm and uploads it to the app or website. YouTube Kids is easy to use, but you cannot upload your own videos.
Technical errors can cause unsuitable videos to be uploaded to YouTube Kids . Further information on the service can be found in this parents’ guide article.
YouTube Kids no longer offers older children quite as much content that suits their age and interests. For example, many Let’s Play videos of Minecraft and the like, which are very popular with older primary school children, are filtered out. If you have a child account and a parent account, you can share individual videos with your child and expand the range of content on YouTube Kids according to your child’s interests.
Another option is parental control. With this function, YouTube offers parents the opportunity to set age-appropriate settings for children’s YouTube usage. To do this, parents must link the parent and child accounts, for example via Google Family Link. Select the “YouTube (parental control)” app in the child account settings. In the “Content settings”, you can choose from three setting options, which we explain below.
YouTube offers these additional setting options for every age group:
You can find more tips on how parents can set up YouTube safely on Media Safe for Kids and in the family section of YouTube.
Note: The format YouTube Shorts format shows an endless feed of short video clips and cannot be controlled with settings functions.
Stay informed about the safety settings on YouTube and adjust them again and again in consultation with your child and according to their stage of development.
Important: Attitudes towards technical youth media protection do not replace media education. Your child may still be confronted with content and situations that are too much for them. Remain open and interested and ask which videos and channels your child enjoys and what exactly fascinates them about them. Encourage your child’s media skills. Talk to your child openly and as non-judgementally as possible about topics such as advertising, communication risks or the influence of influencers. This way, your child will feel safe with you as a contact person and can confide in you if they have problems.
Chatting with friends, posting content, following stars – social media is very popular with many children and young people and an important part of their everyday lives. In this article, we present some popular platforms and apps and explain why they are so fascinating.
Dance challenges, LipSyncs and comedy – the Chinese platform TikTok offers an endless variety of entertaining short videos and is one of the most popular social media apps among children and young people. Users design their clips with trendy music, fun effects and creative filters. A special feature is the algorithm that displays personalized content in the “For you” feed according to the user’s preferences. Following viral trends and influencers, discovering new functions and video formats and connecting with each other via chat and hashtags fascinates children and young people. TikTok harbors risks such as data protection issues, inappropriate content such as war videos, pornography or drugs and entails communication risks. Endless scrolling can lead to extreme media use and promote digital stress. Parents can use the Accompanied mode control function for younger children.
Instagram is a popular social network where users share photos and videos. The app offers functions such as stories, reels and livestreams and focuses primarily on aesthetics. A variety of image and video editing tools such as filters give users the opportunity to express themselves creatively. The platform encourages interaction through likes, comments and direct messages. Children and young people use Instagram to network, follow role models and trends and present themselves online. Young users find it appealing to post selfies, test their impact and share beautiful moments with friends and family. The platform belongs to the large US internet company Meta. Challenges include the illusory world of perfect self-presentation and advertising by influencers. With parental control, Instagram can be set up safely and usage times can be controlled.
Threads is a text-based app from Instagramthat was specially developed for close friends. The functions of threads are the platform X platform. Users can share photos, videos and messages with selected contacts and view real-time updates about their location, activities or mood. This intimacy and the link to Instagram make threads attractive to young people. As on all social media platforms, there are risks in online communication and in being confronted with harmful content.
Snapchat is a social media app for sharing photos and videos. The so-called “snaps” disappear automatically after 24 hours. The relaxed, spontaneous communication and the fun filters and effects make the app popular with children and young people. Young people use the app to connect with their friends in particular. Snapchat rewards daily exchanges between friends with the Snapstreaks function and awards flame symbols. If the location function is activated, users can see where their contacts are currently located on the Snapmap. Snapchat users are automatically connected to the AI chatbotMy AI which answers questions and chats like a “real” friend. Snapchat is challenging in terms of privacy and data protection and can increase the pressure to be online all the time. The Snapchat Family Center offers parents setting options such as the activity overview and content controls.
BeReal is an ad-free social media app where users share spontaneous snapshots. Once a day, all users receive a simultaneous notification to take a photo with the front and rear camera within two minutes. Anyone who wants to can share their location. The spontaneity and authenticity make the app particularly popular with young people. Users can exchange ideas and network with each other via the comment function and in BeReal groups. The request to post a photo on time can cause digital stress for users and tempt them to disclose overly private information.
Knipsclub is a safe photo community that introduces children to social networks creatively and in a protected environment. Children can share, edit and comment on photos here under pedagogical supervision. In Knipsclub, users do not share any personal data and all content is moderated. This makes the platform a good alternative for parents who want to give their children a safe introduction to social media. Other protected options are platforms such as children’s issues of the DKHW or the children’s forum of Seitenstark. These children’s websites offer age-appropriate content, encourage creativity and offer moderated forums on specific topics.
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, BeReal and Threads may be used from the age of 13 with parental consent according to the terms and conditions. When choosing social media services, make sure they are age-appropriate for your child. If your child is still younger, offer them alternatives such as the Knipsclub to make it easier for them to enter the world of online networking. Actively help your child get started with their own smartphone or on one of the popular social media platforms. Make sure your smartphone and apps are childproof and talk about the risks of social media use at an early stage. Educate your child about topics such as data protection, communication risks and community rules. Stay in touch about favorite channels and influencers to better understand and support your child’s media behavior.
Even for the very youngest children, the world of media is omnipresent. The miniKIM study, initiated by the Media Education Research Association Southwest, provides insightful data on the media behavior of children between the ages of two and five. This article summarizes the key findings of the latest 2023 study and provides practical tips for parents.
Access to smart devices: The study shows that access to smart devices is increasing among young children. Around one in five children has their own tablet and one in ten has access to a smartphone. These devices are often used for both educational and entertainment purposes.
Parental attitudes: Many parents are of the opinion that smartphones harbor many risks for young children and should be viewed rather critically. However, around half of those surveyed also see advantages in its use, such as the potential to learn new things and playful education.
Streaming and media consumption: Streaming services are now also popular with the youngest children and have supplemented or even replaced traditional television as the main source of moving image content.
Responsibility and media education: The study emphasizes the importance of supervised media use to ensure a safe and positive environment for young children. It is recommended that parents monitor their children’s media activities and select appropriate content.
In addition to this article, we also offer in-depth insights into media use of older children with the KIM Study 2022 and of young people with the JIM study.
The results and further information on the miniKIM Study 2023 can be found in detail on the website of the Media Education Research Association Southwest.
Media are omnipresent and play a central role in children’s everyday lives. The KIM study by the Media Education Research Association Southwest regularly provides insights into the media use of children between the ages of six and 13 in Germany. This article summarizes the most important findings of the latest 2022 study and provides tips on how parents can better support their children in dealing with media.
In addition to this article, we also offer in-depth insights into the media use of younger children with the miniKIM study and the media habits of teenagers with the JIM study.
The results and further information on the KIM Study 2022 can be found in detail on the website of the Media Education Research Association Southwest.
Youth and media: Insights from the JIM Study 2023
The JIM study, conducted by the Media Education Research Association Southwest, provides revealing data on media use by German young people aged 12 to 19. This article summarizes key findings from the latest 2023 study and shows how parents can support young people.
Extensive internet use: Young people spend an average of 224 minutes online every day, with messenger services and social media being particularly popular. WhatsApp is used regularly by 94% of young people, followed by Instagram (62%), TikTok ( 59%) and Snapchat (49%).
Popular media content: Alongside social networks, Netflix and YouTube are the leading platforms for watching series, shows and films among young people. 63 percent of young people regularly use YouTube, while 50 percent use Netflix.
Media and leisure activities: The study also shows that young people organize their leisure time in a variety of ways. In addition to media use, 70 percent of young people regularly meet up with friends, 62 percent regularly play sport and 35 percent read books at least once a week.
Confrontation with problematic content: Unfortunately, young people are increasingly confronted with problematic content. A third of girls and a quarter of boys have been sexually harassed online. 23 percent of young people were unintentionally confronted with pornographic content.
In addition to this article, we also offer in-depth insights into media use of young children with the miniKIM study and the media habits of children with the the KIM Study 2022.
The results and further information on the JIM Study 2023 can be found in detail on the website of the Medienpädagogischer Forschungsverbund Südwest.Formularende
Everyone knows them, but most people don’t know exactly how they are determined: the age ratings for film content issued by the Voluntary Self-Regulation Body of the German Film Industry (FSK). How are they determined and on what basis? What role do age ratings play for children, young people and parents? The virtual parents’ evening explores these and other questions. The focus here is on the work of the FSK, which issues the statutory age ratings for films, series and trailers that are released in cinemas, by streaming providers or on DVD or Blu-ray in Germany on behalf of the supreme state youth authorities.
As part of the virtual parents’ evening, both the FSK’s testing procedures and the criteria that lead to the known age ratings of 0, 6, 12, 16 and 18 are presented. Following on from this, there are insights into the media literacy and participation projects with children and young people as well as the information and orientation services offered by the FSK.
Join us live and put your questions to our experts – we will provide answers and be available for discussions! The event will be held in German.
Date: 16.09.2024 | Time: 5 to 6 pm
Speakers: Michael Schmidt and Peter Kaun (FSK)
Moderation: FSM e.V.
Platform: The virtual parents’ evening is realized via the tool “Zoom”.
Privacy Notice: Zoom is a service of Zoom Video Communications Inc. which is based in the USA. We use Zoom via the German operator easymeet24. easymeet24 ‘s server is located in Europe. Furthermore, within the Zoom service we have chosen the configurations with the highest data and security protection.
Please also take note of our privacy policy.
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It has long been common practice on social media for people to hold beauty products up to the camera and advertise them. But a new trend is conquering the online world: more and more young children are showing an interest in cosmetics and skincare – and presenting their routines online. These children, known as “Sephora Kids”, are increasingly gaining attention. We take a look at the phenomenon and its effects.
Children, usually aged 8 to 10, are increasingly visiting cosmetics stores and luxury beauty chains such as Sephora, hence the name “Sephora Kids”. There they film themselves or buy products for adults, such as anti-wrinkle serums, masks or creams. These products are often not suitable for your skin and sometimes cost several hundred euros. Although we couldn’t find any German-language videos with Sephora products, we did find lots of young children giving make-up tips with standard drugstore products. This content often reaches thousands of viewers and influences the consumption habits of the younger generation.
The “Sephora Kids” phenomenon encompasses a wide range of activities: From buying and applying high-end beauty products to sharing “Get Ready With Me” videos on platforms like TikTok .
Children and young people are attracted by the colorful and attractive packaging and the promised effects of the products. Interaction on social media and with influencers reinforces this trend by presenting the latest beauty trends and products. In a phase of life in which self-expression and social recognition play a major role, such products offer a way of expressing oneself and belonging.
Body image and self-esteem: The intense preoccupation with beauty and skin care can lead to a distorted body image and low self-esteem. The pressure to conform to a certain ideal of beauty can have a negative impact on self-esteem and self-image.
Unsuitable products and long-term damage: Many of the products used contain strong active ingredients such as retinol and acids, which can damage children’s sensitive skin. Their use can have long-term health consequences. Experts advise caution.
Allergies and skin reactions: Many children have sensitive skin and can have allergic reactions to certain ingredients. Parents should check the ingredients carefully and act immediately in the event of an allergic reaction.
Costs: High-quality cosmetic products are expensive and can be a financial burden.
Privacy: By sharing videos on platforms such as TikTok, there is a risk of personal data falling into the wrong hands.
Social pressure: Children can feel exposed to high social pressure through the consumption of beauty content on social media
Accompaniment: Stay alert and active. The balance between allowing self-expression and protecting your child’s health and well-being is crucial. Accompany your child when buying and using skin care products. Make sure that the products are suitable for children’s sensitive skin.
Education: Have open conversations about self-expression and beauty ideals so that your child can make conscious and informed choices. Explain to your child the risks of unsuitable cosmetic products and the importance of healthy skin care habits.
Promote healthy self-confidence: Help your child to develop healthy self-confidence. Help your child to appreciate themselves and their body, regardless of beauty ideals. Think of your role model function as well.
Data protection: Use the privacy settings on social media and explain to your child what information they can and cannot share.
Set a budget: Set a fixed budget for the purchase of cosmetic products to avoid overspending.
Offer alternatives: Show your child alternatives to expensive cosmetic products, such as simple, natural skin care products that are suitable for children’s skin. Simple and safe DIY recipes for natural skincare products that you can make together with your child can be a great alternative.
