Brandenburg's children in danger: Worrying media use!

Brandenburg's children in danger: Worrying media use!

In times of digitalization, the development of children and young people is a particular focus. Health State Secretary Patrick Wahl emphasizes the dangers of the digital world for the health of young people. According to an article by Meeting point Brandenburg Increasing screen time in children leads to serious problems such as difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and even depressive symptoms. To counteract this, Brandenburg has introduced a ban on cell phones in primary schools, a step that is intended not only to promote protection but also mindfulness. These measures are becoming increasingly important because outlets for problematic media behavior show no signs of decreasing. From 6.4% in 2018, the proportion of students with addictive social media consumption increased to 10.3% in 2022.

What does the current situation look like? A new survey from the KIM Study 2024 shows that 54% of internet-using children between the ages of 6 and 13 are online every day. Almost half of these children have their own smartphone. In particular, the proportion of 8 to 9 year olds who use the Internet every day has almost doubled in the last two years. However, many parents do not set technical limits on their children's screen time, like this KIM study informed.

The importance of media literacy

Parents often have difficulty controlling their children's screen use, especially since platforms like TikTok and Instagram are used by many children who are too young for them. Only 73% of internet-using children use WhatsApp, but platforms like TikTok are also becoming increasingly important, with usage at 42%. In Europe, measures are currently being considered that could regulate the minimum age for social media. In France, for example, children under 15 must obtain parental consent, while in Australia there is a ban on use under 16.

In order to teach children and young people how to use digital media carefully, the Alliance for Growing Up Healthy is committed to increasing media literacy in families and schools. In May 2025, nine new resolutions were passed that include targeted media education and topic-related events. Parents are called upon to do this, and a survey shows that 77% of parents see responsibility for teaching media skills in their own home, but 81% also want support from schools.

Risks of screen use

The already high screen times are worrying. According to a JIM study by ZDF Today 16 to 19 year olds spend an average of 4:15 hours a day on their smartphones, even though the German Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine only recommends two hours a day. The negative effects of high levels of screen use are well documented: it is associated with poorer academic performance, a lack of concentration and a lack of mindfulness. In addition, the reality of many children's lives is shifting to the digital space, which is displacing analog experiences and activities that promote learning.

Given these challenges, it is important that both parents and schools take action to support children and make their media use healthy. Screen time apps could help manage usage, and reflective parental role modeling is essential to encouraging these changes.