When social media becomes a problem
Chilling out while watching Tiktok, finding out what's going on on Instagram or sending funny photos with ears via Snapchat: social media has a lot to offer. If parents notice their child's constant irritability, social withdrawal, a shift in their sleep-wake rhythm or an ongoing increase in online time, they should ask questions, listen and look for solutions together with their child. In addition, regional youth and family counselling centres or addiction counselling centres offer free and confidential help.
1. parental emergency call
Parents can also find free, confidential, round-the-clock and, if they wish, anonymous support from the parents' emergency hotline: by phone (0848 354 555) or by email, chat and on site. www.elternnotruf.ch
2. pro juventute
Pro Juventute is also available around the clock with free advice and confidential help for acute problems. On 058 261 61 61 or by chat or e-mail. www.projuventute.ch/elternberatung.
3. safe zone
SafeZone also offers online counselling on addiction issues. The service is also free and anonymous and is aimed at those affected, relatives and loved ones as well as specialists and interested parties.
- What fascinates young people about social media? Are challenges dangerous? How do I look behind the facade of influencers with my children? These and many other topics relating to social media are covered on the Pro Juventute website .
- Jugend und Medien, the federal government's national platform for promoting media literacy, also offers parents further information and valuable tips on the topic.
- The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH ) also provides information on the opportunities and risks of digital media for children.
- The EU initiative Klicksafe promotes online literacy and supports parents and guardians with information and offers on all topics relating to online safety - including social networks.
- The non-profit organisation Zischtig.ch offers a parents' blog on online topics as well as various workshops on media skills .
- The Netpathie association also organises workshops on opportunities and risks online, respectful communication and mental health and is available to advise educational institutions.
- The association Smartphone-free Childhood Switzerland (SfKS ) supports and networks parents who want to delay their children's access to smartphones and social media.
What does the new Youth Protection Act regulate?
The new Federal Act on the Protection of Minors in the Areas of Film and Video Games (JSFVG) has been in force in Switzerland since 1 January 2025. The law and the associated ordinance are intended to create the legal basis to better protect children and young people from depictions of violence or sexually explicit content, for example.
«This mainly affects films and cinemas,» says Yvonne Haldimann, project manager of the national platform Youth and Media. «But social networks must also ensure that they do not show any such videos - or introduce mandatory age verification systems.» Providers now have two years to submit their version of the regulations. Anyone who does not comply with the law from 2027 onwards can be fined up to CHF 40,000.
According to Haldimann, other questionable aspects of social media - such as algorithms or hate speech - are not covered by the new law. It also «only» affects platforms that are aimed at Swiss consumers.
«However, international platforms are usually held accountable by other regulations.» For example, the European Union's Digital Services Act, which focuses on illegal and harmful online activities and disinformation. Something similar is being drafted for Switzerland with the new Federal Act on Communication Platforms and Search Engines.
Books to read more
Digital life balance
Digital media has become an indispensable tool. But since the smartphone is always with us, we often can't get away from the screen. This guide helps you to see through the mechanisms and regain control over digital consumption.
Franz Eidenbenz: Digital-Life-Balance: Consciously and self-determinedly facing the online pull. Observer 2021, 224 pages, approx. 34 Fr.
Social Media
Which companies are behind Instagram or Tiktok? How does social media affect our psyche? Will you get rich as an influencer? The author vividly explains the mechanisms that characterise social media and how we can navigate the web safely. For young people aged 13 and over.
Isabell Prophet: Social Media. Carlsen Klartext 2023, 224 pages, approx. 15 Fr.
Generation Fear
The American psychology professor argues that Gen Z growing up in a radically remodelled, digital environment has catastrophic consequences. The book has attracted a great deal of attention - but has also been criticised by experts.
Jonathan Haidt: Generation Fear. How we are losing our children to the virtual world and jeopardising their mental health. Rowohlt 2024, 448 pages, approx. 32 Fr.
What happens on teen mobile phones?
What do teenagers actually do on their smartphones? The authors explore this question in the book and show the complexity that adolescents are confronted with in their digital lives. Not available in German.
Emily Weinstein and Carrie James: Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (and Adults Are Missing). University Presses 2022, 240 pages, approx. 36 Fr.
Childhood - a reassurance
Parents feel under pressure to be perfect mothers and fathers of successful children. Yet they are challenged in many areas. The book brings together texts by experts from a wide range of fields - including a chapter on dealing with digital media - and aims to contribute to a more relaxed approach to our children.
Oskar Jenni (ed.): Childhood - a reassurance. Kein & Aber 2024, 256 pages, approx. 29 Fr.
