Media are an integral part of children’s everyday lives – whether they are playing, learning or communicating. The KIM Study 2024 by the Media Education Research Association Southwest shows how intensively and diversely children between the ages of 6 and 13 in Germany use media. We summarize the key findings – and provide tips on how parents can support and empower their children in their everyday digital lives.
The older children are, the more often they use the internet – and the more often they have their own devices: 70% of 6 to 13-year-olds use the internet (2022: 62%). Almost all children aged 12 and over are online. Even among 8 and 9-year-olds, the proportion of daily internet use has risen significantly (2022: 23% | 2024: 40%). Overall, 46% of children own a smartphone, and more than half of children aged 10 and over.
Tip: Make sure you use age-appropriate devices, activate safety settings together with your child – and talk about responsible use of the internet.
More than half of children use media such as YouTube, online videos, games or messengers on their own – especially from the 3rd grade onwards. 54% of children who use the internet do so every day (2022: 47%). Among 12- and 13-year-olds, the proportion is as high as 86%.
Tip: Even if children become more confident with technology, it is still important that you accompany them. Pay attention to what your child uses and talk regularly about experiences, questions or problems.
Many children use apps and services that are actually only permitted from the age of 13 or 16, such as WhatsApp (73%), TikTok (42%), Instagram (25%) and Snapchat (21%). These age ratings are often circumvented because the platforms offer hardly any effective age verification. In terms of streaming, Netflix is now the most popular video provider with 21%, ahead of KiKA (14%) and YouTube (11%).
Tip: Check app settings, deactivate location sharing, for example, and talk to your child about risks such as advertising, cyberbullying or in-app purchases.
Many parents see themselves as responsible, but often do without technical protection measures. Two thirds of families do not use filters or safeguards. At the same time, awareness of the importance of media education is growing.
Tip: Safety settings and parental control apps are helpful, but it’s more important to talk to your child. Ask: What does my child see online? Who are they texting with? What keeps them busy?
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.
Further information on the KIM Study 2024: www.mpfs.de/studien/kim-studie/2024
