Media education: Our topic in May

The colour of our junior's face changed from cream to dark red and a deep frown line formed between his eyes. «If you work against me, I'll work against you,» he burst out. What had happened?

My wife and I kindly but firmly pointed out to our 12-year-old son that we would be limiting his media time more from now on. Because there is no doubt that he is not capable of putting a device down after an hour on his own initiative.

The discussion that followed was exhausting, frustrating at times. I'll spare you the details. Anyone who has children aged between 8 and 16 knows what I'm talking about. A couple friend of mine recently described the conversations with their daughter about media use and screen time as «a pain in the arse», which can only be inadequately translated as «annoyance».

«Media education was easier 30 or 40 years ago,» writes our author Thomas Feibel in his intro to the dossier «Media in everyday family life: 100 questions - 100 answers». Television took the children home at fixed times because they didn't want to miss their favourite series. And for the big TV show, the family gathered on the sofa with crisps.

«Today, each family member consumes their own personal programme on their own device.» This poses two challenges for parents: How do I regulate my own usage behaviour in order to fulfil my role model function? And: How do I keep track of my child's behaviour in the face of ever-changing media offerings and needs?

This media dossier takes you, dear mums, dear dads, dear parenting enthusiasts, by the hand. It provides 100 answers to 100 questions on topics such as media use, media skills, social media, safety and gaming. We asked 14 educationalists, psychologists and media experts to provide comprehensible, practice-orientated assessments and recommendations for action.

I'm always amazed at how little parents know about the content their children engage with digitally.

Armin Gottlieb Kunz, child and adolescent psychologist

This media dossier takes you, dear mums, dear dads, dear parenting enthusiasts, by the hand. It provides 100 answers to 100 questions on topics such as media use, media skills, social media, safety and gaming. We asked 14 educationalists, psychologists and media experts to provide comprehensible, practice-orientated assessments and recommendations for action.

We are now on pretty good terms with our son when it comes to his screen time. He has realised that he won't get his own smartphone until his 14th birthday at the earliest.

He can trust that we will protect, support and accompany him in his media use. He has understood that we are interested in the content he finds exciting - even if it takes us a little effort to watch «fail» videos in which very obese people capsize in rubber boats that are far too small. And he knows our three golden rules:

• End devices have no place in the bedroom. They should be switched off in the evening and charged in the living room. Full stop!
• Control is good, trust is better. Our son can count on us not spying on him. We tackle open questions together and in partnership.
• Rules offer security for both sides. The rules are reviewed together on an ongoing basis and adapted if necessary.

I hope you gain many practical insights from reading our dossier. And I call out to you: Good luck with the implementation. Stay strong!

Sincerely,
Your Nik Niethammer