Who may - and who may not?
when it comes to mobile phones or televisions: younger siblings demand the same rights as their older brothers and sisters.
First of all, there is the rule of thumb 3-6-9-12: no screen under the age of three, no own games console before the age of six, no internet (even unsupervised) before the age of nine and no unsupervised internet before the age of twelve.
Parents can use this rule to explain to their children why one child is allowed to do something and the other has to wait. Parents have to decide individually whether this can be implemented in the same way. After all, younger siblings are rarely interested in logical arguments. It wants too! To avoid disputes, parents should therefore consider a few strategies.
For older siblings in particular, more rights also mean more responsibilities. Anyone who gets their own mobile phone should earn it with a job. This additional benefit could be made popular with the younger sibling by using the «Ätsch factor»: You don't have to carry out the rubbish in return.
«You're still too little» is an argument that nobody likes to hear. It's often more effective to justify your refusal or offer an alternative. Distraction is always a good way of preventing a conflict from escalating anyway. It is helpful if the older sibling does not provocatively demonstrate their privilege, which is unfortunately often very tempting.
A common accusation: «You prefer my brother/sister to me, that's so mean!» A flippant «nope» doesn't necessarily help here. A loving hug and some extra time for the little ones is much better. This makes the younger sibling feel important and loved, and extra time like this is also worthwhile for the parents.
Parents know: Siblings will always find a reason to argue. Be it because the portions on the plate are not the same size or simply because the older sibling has more privileges when it comes to using a mobile phone or the internet. In the eyes of the person concerned, this may be «really mean». But that's life. This is another lesson that children have to learn.
On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use
of digital media in everyday family life. swisscom.ch/medienstark
