Smartphones in the children's room: curse or blessing for our little ones?

Smartphones in the children's room: curse or blessing for our little ones?

Niederösterreich, Österreich - dealing with smartphones and their effects on children were the main topic of a current discussion evening by the Lower Austrian Association of Employees (NÖAAB). Under the title "Word change", members gathered with experts, including Andrea Buhl-aigner href = "https://www.ots.at/presseaus-sung/ots_20250408_ots0004/smartphones-gister-die-wir-gefen-fluch-or-segen"> Claudia Andre to discuss the questions of modern media consumption.

At the meeting, the social and psychological consequences of smartphones were discussed on children and adolescents. Andrea Buhl-Aigner warned that a relaxed handling of cell phones and tablets in the families was crucial. She suggested parents not to reward her children with smartphones or to use them to punish a healthy and conscious relationship to technology.

responsibility of parents and schools

Responsibility that parents have to take over in the digital space was highlighted by Buhl-Aigner. It encouraged to act as role models and to take advantage of help if signs of behavioral addiction or loss of control. Claudia Andre advocated individual solutions in schools instead of trying general requirements. She called for additional support for teachers in order to better enforce regulations for mobile phone use.

The discussion confirmed the growing importance of cell phone use in the school context. Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister , State Note of the NÖAAB, referred to measures already initiated by the state of Lower Austria and the educational directorate for promoting a responsibility Dealing with smartphones in schools. For this purpose, information materials are provided in cooperation with experts to support both teachers and parents.

A look back at the media use of young people

Another aspect of the discussion about dealing with smartphones was supported by current studies and expert opinions on media use among young people. According to a study by the DAK and the University Clinic Hamburg Eppendorf 2024, certain addiction problems in the area of ​​gaming and social media have decreased slightly, but are still above the level of 2019. Over 25% of 10 to 17 years of use social media problematic, whereby around 5% are considered dependent. On average, young people spend more than 2.5 hours a day of the week with social media, half an hour more than five years earlier.

Experts warn that this intensive use is unfortunately often associated with negative effects. The neurobiologist Martin Korte noticed that social networks can negatively influence creativity and personal interactions. The US psychologist Jean M. Twenge speaks of a worrying increase in depression in teenage girls in connection with smartphone use. The use of manipulative designs in apps is also considered problematic. Platforms use techniques that appeal to the reward system in the brain, which means that children and adolescents spend more and more time on these platforms.

recommendations for healthy media consumption

Under the recommended guidelines for screen use, the time to spend the children in front of screens is advised. Children under the age of three should not receive a screen time, while a maximum of 30 minutes per day are recommended for children between three and six years. The recommendations continue and set the maximum limit to 45 minutes for the age group from six to nine years. Experts agree that clear rules and an accompanying parent role are crucial to lead children safely through the digital world.

Overall, the discussion about smartphones and their effects on children both from both parents and educational institutions requires a high degree of commitment and responsibility. The necessary steps to promote healthy media use are by no means complete, and it remains to be hoped that the current measures are fertile and benefit from the young people.