Online addiction: In the maelstrom of the media
Over eleven per cent of children and young people are considered to be at risk of addiction due to their online consumption. Where do you see the risks for the younger generation?
Smartphones have turned digital media into time wasters. The tempting offers in the gaming and social media sector are programmed in such a way that users build up the strongest possible bond. Sophisticated reward mechanisms can quickly lead to a loss of control over consumption. Children and young people in particular are subject to this loss of control, as their ability to control themselves is not yet fully developed due to neurological conditions.
An additional risk for children arises when things are not going well in real life - be it at school, with parents or friends. Virtual worlds offer the perfect compensatory experience of success. A pull is created and the risk of addiction increases - with the result that the virtual world becomes more important than anything else.
How do parents recognise that this pull is becoming too strong for their child? And what do you recommend?
Warning signs are when media consumption continues to increase - despite negative effects on school, real-life friendships, other leisure activities and family. This is when clear boundaries and dialogue are needed to find the fairest possible way out of the negative spiral. This often requires professional help from outside and positive support.
Many parents want a more relaxed approach to digital media. They want to get away from the constant admonishments and arguments in the family. How can this balancing act be achieved?
A healthy «digital life balance» requires rules and clear boundaries - ideally even before the devices are available. Children and young people are usually overwhelmed by the need to control their own consumption, so conflicts are inevitable. This was already the case in previous generations with other issues. The goal of healthy development is not to have no conflicts, but to learn how to deal with them constructively.
Lecture cycle «Cosmos child»
The Elternsein Foundation, publisher of the Swiss parenting magazine Fritz+Fränzi, has launched the "Akademie. For the child. Giedion Risch" has launched the lecture cycle «Kosmos Kind». Recognised experts address different aspects of childhood and convey them in a way that is understandable and relevant to everyday life. Fritz+Fränzi subscribers benefit from discounted tickets.
The most important questions about the development of children and young people - answered by experts. A selection of lectures as videos and podcasts.
