The most important recommendations at a glance

For children and young people, the general rule is: the less screen time, the better.

Parents should be informed and encouraged…

… to keep children under 3 years of age away from any passive and active use of screen media.

… if they do want to introduce their children aged 3 to 6 to the use of screen media, to allow this for a maximum of 30 minutes on individual days and not without the presence of parents.

… to allow children aged 6 to 9 recreational use of screen media for no longer than 30 to 45 minutes on any given day.

… not to provide children under the age of 9 with their own games console.

… not to use screen media to reward, punish or provide comfort.

… not to use screen media during meals, especially shared meals, and not to eat while using screen media.

… to take an interest in their children’s digital activities and to accompany these activities carefully and responsibly.

… to be aware of the risk of problematic use of online media (including possible addiction), to regularly reflect (if necessary together) on adolescents’ screen use, and, if in doubt, to use acknowledged tests and (if necessary) to seek professional help.

Parents and siblings should be informed and encouraged…

… to be aware of their own role model function for active and passive screen use.

… to refrain from using screen media in the presence of younger family members.

Parents and teachers should be informed and encouraged to avoid digital distance learning whenever possible.