When children tinker with apps
Children can also show their creativity when using their mobile phones. Parents should not prevent this, but should be attentive to it.
Do you also enjoy it when your children do handicrafts? When they are really absorbed in their creative endeavours and completely forget the world around them? But what happens when they have a smartphone in their hands? «Not again. Why don't you go outside and get some fresh air?» is what many parents say. Outdoor exercise is important, no question about it.
Nevertheless, creative work can also be done with digital devices. The most popular app among children and young people at the moment is Tiktok. I know, it's a social media network with problematic sites that parents should never ignore. But I'm always amazed when I see what children get up to with this app. Much (or rather: most) of it is just - well - childish and inane. Playful, without much sense, sometimes stupid, often hilarious.
As with tinkering with scissors, safety precautions must also be taken and certain settings made on TikTok.
Nevertheless, children also act creatively in these moments. In my opinion, this needs to be encouraged and perhaps even transferred from Tiktok to the real world. However, as with crafting with scissors and glue, safety precautions must also be taken on Tiktok and it is advisable to make certain settings.
The important skill of categorising media content
Gender stereotypes are popular motifs in the short films - inspired by professional content creators. You should talk to the children about this and ask them what they actually find cool about muscles, fast cars, fat lips and bright make-up.
To the relief of many parents, it turns out: How our children deal with - in our eyes - dubious role models is an indication of their ability to categorise media content. You will be surprised at how differentiated and pragmatic your children's answers can sometimes be.
The other very popular network in this age group is Instagram, which is a little more grown-up and also a place of uninhibited self-expression. However, it is also a place where touching and creative images can be found. Pictures born of the moment or taken after extensive preparation and often elaborately reworked.
This also shows creativity and should be discussed. Quite a few young people publish their first photos on Instagram and later become seriously involved in this hobby. We can be happy when our children are ready to use the new technical possibilities creatively. However, we should not leave them to their own devices, but - depending on their age - keep a sympathetic eye on what they are doing.
