#coronatv - The Exception in the Exceptional Situation - How Much Media Consumption is Still Allowed?

The days are getting nicer and longer, and the children are happy to be able to spend time outdoors in the garden, at the playground, or with friends after kindergarten or school. There's hardly any time for TV and the like—and that's a good thing.
But what should be done in an exceptional situation where restrictions on going out apply until at least mid-April and social contacts should be avoided?

We live in a digital world with all its many advantages and disadvantages. Audio and screen media exert a great attraction on children of all ages and are often the answer to boredom. However, TV, the Internet, and smartphones can be very useful if used in a way that enriches, entertains, or ideally even supports learning.

Special situations require special rules, one might think, and the daily TV hour quickly turns into three hours. But beware—especially now, maintaining a regular daily routine is particularly important to prevent children from getting too accustomed to the exceptional situation and having difficulty returning to their daily routine. More on the topic of why Rituals for the Whole Family so important, you can read about them in our online magazine.
 

How much media consumption is appropriate and safe for children?

According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), there are age-specific guidelines for daily media usage duration that can serve as a reference.

• 0 to 3 years: Audio media for a maximum of 30 minutes, screen media preferably not at all.
• 3 to 6 years: Audio media no more than 45, screen media together no more than 30 minutes.
• 6 to 10 years: Audio media at most 60, screen media together max. 45 to 60 minutes.

For young people, PC games and social networks are often interesting. It's advisable to set fixed "offline times" during which there's space for other activities (e.g., exercise, reading, etc.) and tasks (e.g., homework, helping around the house, etc.). Interesting facts about safe handling of Social Media you can also find in our online magazine. Further practical tips on media usage for children aged 12 and above are provided in the BZgA brochure „ Online with moderation and fun illustrated.

Not every child is the same

These recommendations cannot always be applied one-to-one to every single child. Each child is different, and thus media affect them differently. Important signals for you as parents are the behaviors of your children after watching TV. For example, does the child seem bored, apathetic, or aggressive, or is it unfocused and hyperactive? If you notice any peculiarities here, you should adjust the media time accordingly next time.

Practical Tips for Everyday Life

If you, as a family, establish certain frameworks together, it provides the children with security and guidance, and may also save you from one or the other discussion.

• Make agreements and set personal rules.
• Accompany your children during media consumption and talk to them about it.
• Do not place a television and computer in the children's room.
• Avoid constant exposure.
• Stop using media at least one hour before going to bed.
• Ensure a balance with media consumption.

Exceptions confirm the rule

No matter how important strict rules are, exceptions are of course allowed and should be made from time to time. However, agree on these exceptions with the child on a daily basis only and ensure that there are media-free days as a balance, even in the current situation. Many different Tips and suggestions , how your children can use their time indoors meaningfully and without TV and the like, can be found in our online magazine.
And here too, the golden rule for parents Be a good role model for your children, put your smartphone aside, and switch to "offline" for a while.  

Helpful portals for media usage

The program consultation Flimmo provides you with valuable educational assessments of TV shows and movies for children aged 3-13 years.
Under app-geprüft.net find reviews of apps for children regarding youth, data, and consumer protection risks.
An overview of child-friendly websites can be found at seitenstark.de provide.
And if you ever have a few quiet minutes and want to learn more about age-appropriate media use, among others Look here and Klicksafe good starting points.

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