Brandenburg's children in danger: worrying media use!

Brandenburg's children in danger: worrying media use!

In times of digitization, the development of children and adolescents is particularly important. State Secretary for Health Patrick Wahl emphasizes the dangers of the digital world for health for young people. According to an article by MeetingPoint Brandenburg leads the increasing screen time for children to serious problems Concentration disorders, hyperactivity and even depressive symptoms. In order to counteract this, Brandenburg has introduced the mobile phone ban at primary schools, a step that should not only promote protection but also mindfulness. These measures are becoming increasingly important, because sockets for problematic media behavior show no decline. From 6.4 % in 2018, the proportion of students with addicted social media consumption rose to 10.3 % in 2022.

What does the current Situation look like? A new survey of the KIM study 2024 shows that 54 % of internet users between 6 and 13 years 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 past two years. However, many parents do not set technical limits in the screen time of their children, such as the Kim-Studie informed.

The importance of media literacy

parents often have difficulty checking their children's screen use, especially since platforms such as Tikok or Instagram are used by many children who are still too young for it. Only 73 % of internet users use WhatsApp, but also platforms such as TikTok are becoming increasingly important, with a use of 42 %. In Europe, measures are currently being considered that could regulate the minimum age for social media. In France, for example, children under the age of 15 have to obtain their parents' consent, while in Australia there is a ban on using under 16 years.

In order to bring children and adolescents closer to careful handling of digital media, the alliance healthy growing up for more media literacy in families and schools. In May 2025, nine new resolutions were adopted that include targeted media education and themed events. Parents are required and a survey shows that 77 % of parents see responsibility for the imparting of media literacy in their own house, but also want 81 % 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 on average 4:15 hours a day on the smartphone, although the German society for child and adolescent medicine only two hours a day a day recommends. The negative effects of high screen use are well documented: it is associated with poorer academic performance, lack of concentration and a lack of mindfulness. In addition, the reality of the life of many children shifted to digital space, which displaces analog experiences and learning -promoting activities.