Which media should I make accessible to my child?

How do parents deal with digital media today?

Mums and dads have a different media biography to parents of previous generations. Ten years ago, it was rare for parents to play a game with their children. Today's young parents may have been enthusiastic gamers themselves in the past and are better able to guide their children. What hasn't changed: Even today, parents want to limit their children's media time. They agree on rules, determine what can be used and often feel helpless in doing so.
Daniel Süss

How important is our role model function?

Children and young people are good observers. It's not just what we say about smartphone use that counts, but what we actually do. Don't worry, children will point out any discrepancies.
Thomas Feibel

Are parents paying enough attention to what their children are doing digitally?

I'm always amazed at how little parents know about the content their children are dealing with. Very few mums and dads let their children show and explain things to them. This is exactly what I always advise parents to do. Not just in the sense of control, but of constructive relationship work.
Armin Gottlieb Kunz, FSP psychologist specialising in child and adolescent psychology and psychotherapy

Which media should I make accessible to my child?

Just as parents provide their children with toys that match the child's interests and abilities, they should also select media in the same way. In dialogue with the child, they can find out what their affinities are.
Daniel Süss

Why do parents have little trust in their children when it comes to digital media?

The parent-child relationship has changed significantly over the last 40 years. Today, children are trusted to do more and are given more responsibility. However, this only applies to a limited extent when it comes to media. In addition to the lack of clarity about the consequences of media use for the child, this is also due to parents' fear of losing control.
Stefan Aufenanger

What is a so-called «development-promoting approach» to media?

This means that children and young people use media to develop their skills, pursue their interests and also come to terms with their identity. It is about role models, characters and stories that they can relate to. The content should correspond to their personal stage of development. So it doesn't matter whether they are engaging with a book, a game or a series, it's always about content and opportunities for action that fit in as well as possible with their own personality.
Daniel Süss

Do I have to be one hundred per cent consistent in my media education?

One hundred per cent is not possible. It is better to make agreements, monitor compliance and allow exceptions with kindness.
Thomas Feibel

What should I do if my child does not stick to the agreed rules?

Parenting never works the way parents want it to. But rules are important and parents would do well to introduce them much earlier than puberty. Mums and dads should not react immediately with punishments if children do not follow the rules, but should remind them once again to comply with them. And with good reasons. In my experience, the more we trust children, the more likely they are to stick to the rules.
Stefan Aufenanger

My child rejects the content I recommend. What options do I have?

When children develop their own identity, they need to set themselves apart. This is very important in terms of developmental psychology. There can be phases in which they find everything their parents suggest wrong. If my child never entered such a demarcation phase, I would be worried. If children only ever use and do what their parents suggest, then they might burn out later as adults because they can't say no.
Daniel Süss

Can I check my child's smartphone?

Yes, until your child is 14 years old, because you are responsible and must protect your child. However, checking a device should always be done with the child's knowledge and not in secret.
Stefan Aufenanger

How can I technically monitor my child's media use?

The website www.medien-kindersicher.de offers all parents an excellent overview with specific setting options for games consoles, streaming services, smart TV devices, social networks, YouTube, voice assistants and much more. Very helpful and very relieving!
Thomas Feibel