Digital children's education: Parents' evening explains screen dangers

In the district of Böblingen, a digital parents' evening was offered to be aimed at parents who are overwhelmed with the use of their children and the associated challenges. According to the report of Smartphones significant effects on the behavior of both parents and children. Experts warn that excessive screen time can have negative effects on reading ability, imagination and creativity of children. In addition, a high frequency of smartphone usage can lead to social loneliness and favor physical problems such as the so-called "cell phonenacks" and overweight.

The digital parents' evening is headed by Clemens Beisel, who wants to offer the participants a reflective perspective. The online format enables parents to participate flexibly and to receive access to current content.

screen time and parental requirements

A comprehensive study commissioned by the Digital Association Bitkom shows that 46 percent of 6 to 18 year olds in Germany receive requirements for using screen use from their parents, except for school use. These results were recorded in a survey of over 900 children and adolescents, such as Bitkom Research . It is particularly striking that 67 percent of parents set time limits for 6 to 9 year old, while 69 percent of parents do the same for 10 to 12 year olds. In 13- to 15 year olds, only 36 percent of young people have such parental requirements, and from the age of 16 it is only 5 percent.

The average screen time guidelines are 50 minutes a day for 6 to 9 year olds, 90 minutes for 10 to 12 year olds, 115 minutes for 13- to 15 year olds and 117 minutes for 16 to 18 year olds, if there are any requirements. The survey was carried out between calendar week 20 and calendar week 22 in 2024.