How much screen time is appropriate for children?
25.09.2023 15:56
A new guideline, which was developed with the participation of the University of Witten/Herdecke, provides tips for optimal use of screen media in everyday life.
How long can my child watch TV, sit in front of the computer or play with their smartphone? Families often ask themselves these and similar questions in everyday life. In order to provide guidance in dealing with screen media, the German Society for Child and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the University of Witten/Herdecke (UW/H) have now published a new guideline. It gives practical tips and at the same time has a preventative nature.
For children between the ages of 3 and 6, for example, the experts recommend running a sand timer or stopwatch while using the screen. Because many children don't realize how much time they spend on the devices. Alternatively, limiting usage to individual days will help avoid habit-forming. For older children who already have their own consoles, it can be helpful to store the devices in the closet after playing - true to the motto: out of sight, out of mind. In total, the guideline includes 55 behavioral prevention recommendations for the use of screen media. It also describes ways parents and doctors can deal with excessive use and addresses preventive measures in times of digital distance learning.
Prevention makes an important contribution to the healthy development of the child
“Although many of the health risks of excessive media consumption in children are now known, there is still far too little talk about preventive measures – both in society and in medicine,” says Prof. Dr. David Martin, holder of the chair for medical theory, integrative and anthroposophical medicine at the UW/H. “If we prevent excessive media consumption in childhood and adolescence, we can make an important contribution to healthy mental, mental and physical development.”
The handout was developed under the leadership of the German Society for Child and Adolescent Medicine. The University of Witten/Herdecke has formed and coordinated an expert commission for this purpose. The results were also discussed with patient representatives.
The AWMF S2k guideline is aimed at families as well as medical professionals, doctors and psychiatrists who treat children and adolescents. It is also intended to provide orientation to higher-level organizations such as health insurance companies, schools, kindergartens, youth, school and welfare offices, educational advice centers or other people and institutions that deal with questions about child health and child welfare. In addition to the long version for the specialist audience, a short version summarizes the most important points for legal guardians. Both versions are available on the website of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF): https://register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/027-075