Say goodbye to screen time: How we help young people to spend less time on their mobile phones

In today's digital world, smartphones and computers are an integral part of everyday life. Children and young people also like to spend time playing games online, watching videos or using social media. And while the digital world certainly offers many advantages, parents quickly ask themselves the question: Is my child spending too much time on the screen ? And what does "too much time" even mean? This story is about the digital consumption of children and - above all - young people. Because one thing is clear: being allowed to spend less time on the cell phone, PC or console can often be a small catastrophe, especially for young people. So tact, understanding and trust are required. And this is where we start with our story.

Find out how to correctly assess your child's screen time and media literacy - and how you can cleverly and carefully counteract it when it really does become too much. For your child's safe and healthy use of digital media.

How to correctly assess your child's screen time

First things first: Digital media consumption in itself is not a bad thing, even for children or young people. What is important is a healthy balance between the digital and analogue worlds. Ideally, your child is at home in both worlds and knows when to turn off the mobile phone, PC or console. You can find out quite easily whether the screen time is too high and whether children or young people should spend less time on their mobile phones or gaming stations:

Observe your child

Often it is enough to trust your parental instinct , observe your child and talk to your child in a trusting atmosphere. It is important that all communication takes place calmly, friendly, at eye level and, above all, without blame . If you want to reduce your child's screen time, you need their cooperation. Nobody wants to play a strenuous game of cat and mouse.

• Pay attention to your child's screen time on different days and at different times of the day. Individual peaks, such as on the weekend, are okay as long as consumption is lower during the week.
• Observe your child's behavior after prolonged media consumption: Does your child seem stressed, tired or irritable after spending time on the screen? This will quickly help you find out when "too much" becomes too much for your child.
• Does your child stick to the agreed playing and consumption times ? Or are these regularly and blatantly exceeded?
• Are other activities neglected due to media consumption? If, for example, sports, meeting friends or family activities take a back seat in favor of computer games or series on the mobile phone, it is time to take countermeasures.
• Does your child get enough sleep? Teenagers in particular, who have free access to cell phones and the like in their rooms, often turn night into day. Overtiredness is a sign that digital consumption may have gotten a little out of control.
• Does your child take care of themselves? Whether it's brushing their teeth, showering, clothing or behavior: If you notice that your child is letting themselves go, this may be a sign that games and the like are taking on too much importance.

Basically, if the balance between screen time and other activities is right, your child mostly sticks to established rules, is well rested and pays attention to himself and his behavior in everyday life, there is no reason to worry. However, if you notice that “ the scales are tipping ”, it may be time to take countermeasures . The first step here is:

Talk to your child

As is often the case, communication is key here. Every child is unique. Cell phone usage is correspondingly unique, especially among teenagers. And age is also crucial: it is difficult to determine how much average screen time 11-, 12-, 13-, 14-, or 15-year-olds should spend on their cell phones based on their age. What is much more important is whether what they do online has added value and is safe : Do they watch documentaries and educational content instead of TikToks and prank videos? Do they play building games instead of shooters? Do they chat with friends in a safe space instead of meeting strangers in open chat rooms? Parents often only find out all of this by talking to their children. And above all: listening .

• Let your child talk openly about his or her online activities.
• Find out about the games your child plays and social media trends beforehand. If you know the benefits of media consumption, you can emphasize them in the conversation - and show that you are not fundamentally opposed to it.
• Be interested in the content your child is consuming. And ideally, get involved directly. We'll come back to this important point at the end.
• Encourage your child to try offline activities as well.
• Find out more about your child's circle of friends : how much they play, what they play, why they play - or consume. The better you understand how important playing and consuming media content is for your child, the more sensitively you can ultimately take (counter) control.

If in doubt, use technical aids

If you notice that your child does not want to talk openly about his screen time or you simply cannot get an accurate picture of his consumption, you can rely on technical aids :

• Use the screen time functions on devices and operating systems to set clear guidelines for your child. Whether TikTok, YouTube or Instagram: If you set time limits, you have better control over your child's screen time.
• Install family-friendly apps that regulate media consumption and filter content. With just one click, you can reduce your mobile time

However, this should always be the last resort . And should never be used to spy on the child. If you want to ensure effectively, sustainably and, above all, respectfully that your child spends less time on their mobile phone or uses the PC and console responsibly, the following tips could help you better than apps and programs that ensure that your child spends less time on their mobile phone, but also potentially cause problems at home.

You can also spend valuable screen time together. It brings you closer together and is fun.

Spend less time on your PC or mobile phone : Tips for dealing with too much screen time

So what should you do if you notice that your child's screen time is too high? We have put together some good advice for you that you can use to reduce your child 's social media consumption and regulate their gaming time in a targeted, trusting and sustainable manner.

Clear rules for smartly controlled screen time

Less cell phone use, less gaming, less media consumption for your child? Sounds like trouble, right? But it doesn't have to be that way. It's important that everyone sits down together and discusses clear rules about how and, above all, how much should be played, watched or listened to in your home. The following applies: equal rights for all. Every rule that you set together applies to moms, dads, uncles and aunts, grandmas and grandpas, visitors and the children. No exceptions. Also because the adults should set a good example . The three most important rules here are:

Screen time is specified. Determine how much time everyone is allowed to spend on the TV, console or cell phone per week. A weekly quota is better than a daily one. For example, if your child is allowed to play for eight hours a week, they can use those eight hours freely. For example, if other friends are also playing or a rainy Sunday invites them to do so. Tip for non-gamer parents: When it comes to games, it should be okay to be allowed to finish a level even if the time has passed. Also, designate media-free zones at home. Cell phones, tablets, etc. are prohibited in these zones. For everyone. This is especially essential at the dinner table. And: Be consistent in enforcing the rules. This applies above all to parents, but also allows the children to point out to you in an emergency that mom or dad should please put the cell phone away because it is board game time. In summary:

• Set fixed times for screen use . There should be some flexibility.
• Create media-free zones in the house, e.g. no screens in the bedroom or during meals.
• Be consistent in enforcing the rules.

If young people are to spend less time on their mobile phones , alternatives are important

Rules are one thing, but the other is options that we offer our children. So, for example, if you don't want your child to spend the whole time in front of the screen on a rainy weekend, just start a board game evening! If the weather is nice, you can also plan hikes, family games with children (such as a scavenger hunt ) or a trip to an exciting sight in the surrounding area. And of course, always suitable: do sports with your children . In other words: there is no PC or TV on the tennis court or the running track...

The best thing about it: doing activities together also strengthens the parent-child bond . Our delicious snacks are always there for you on your adventures. Whether it's a muesli bar , our minis or the practical energy gums* : with the right food, nothing stands in the way of a great day with the family.

And then there is the possibility of spending valuable screen time with your child. Here are a few tips on how you can do that:

• Play online games together: Of course, only age-appropriate games that are fun and encourage cooperation (note the USK age recommendation).
• Discover new apps and websites together: Let your child show you what they like to use online and discover new content together.
• Create creative projects: Use digital tools together to edit photos, create videos or write stories.
• Watch documentaries or educational videos together: This way you can learn new things about different topics and then discuss what you have seen.
• Use online courses and tutorials: Encourage your child’s curiosity and help them learn new skills.
• Visit virtual museums or world exhibitions: Explore the world online and embark on virtual adventures – with no travel costs or admission fees!

Finally, as a general rule : digital consumption is part of modern life. This applies to adults and children alike. It is never about banning or abstaining, but always about safe, sensible use of social media, games and more. And of course: fun . Because when screen time is regulated and online activities are firmly and concretely integrated into everyday life, it is better for everyone.

* contains carbohydrates

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

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