Books instead of the Internet ...

The recently published MIKE study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW surveyed children of primary school age about their media use and leisure behaviour. In addition to the 1065 children aged 6 to 13, 641 parents also provided information. The results show: When it comes to media use, children read more often than they game. 37 per cent of children read almost every day and for an average of 24 minutes per day. However, primary school children prefer to listen to music - 47 per cent say they listen to music every day, closely followed by watching TV. «The touchscreen generation is more of a myth than a reality,» says Daniel Süss, ZHAW researcher and professor of media psychology.
This picture is also clearly confirmed when asked about their favourite leisure activity. Whether outdoors or indoors, with family or friends - playing is the favourite pastime of 6 to 13-year-olds. Sport is in second place on the popularity scale.
In general, the study concludes that pupils are very active in their free time, even without media. Girls spend more time indoors - they like to do handicrafts, paint and make music. Boys prefer to play outside, do sports and meet friends.
The question about their favourite medium provides interesting answers. If they could only keep one medium, what would the children choose? The result is clear: the mobile phone. Even primary school children cannot escape its fascination. There is no way they would want to give up their smartphone - even though only 52 per cent own one. This figure increases with age: 75 per cent of 12 to 13-year-olds have a mobile phone. Children would not want to give up their television - but surprisingly, they would also like to give up books. Children are less willing to give up books than computers or the internet.

Parents should game more!

When it comes to shared media use, it is noticeable that parents read or watch TV with their children - but do not play games. Only 17 per cent state that they regularly play games together. In 40 per cent of cases, gaming takes place without parental involvement. More active support from adults is needed here. This turns solitary time into time spent together. And the content of the game can be discussed on the spot.
In general, 25 per cent of primary school pupils say they play games every day. There is a big difference between the sexes - around 15 per cent of girls and 35 per cent of boys. The average amount of time spent playing is 29 minutes. Here too, duration and frequency increase with age.
Games are also very popular with primary school pupils as apps. The top three places are occupied by YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram. However, they are immediately followed by the game apps «Clash of Clans», Minecraft and FIFA. The gender difference: among boys, YouTube is followed by «Clash of Clans» and Minecraft; girls favour WhatsApp over Instagram and YouTube.

On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life.