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How much television is okay?
Movies, series and videos: How much time for media can you spend each day?
For movies, series and videos, the less the better!
Television and streaming services already exert a great fascination on young children. Alongside smartphones, tablets and computers, TV services are the most frequently used of all media. The variety of movies and series on all channels is unmanageable - and quite overwhelmingly not suitable for young children. Parents are therefore asking themselves: How much screen time is acceptable and which TV offerings are recommended for which age?
Too much media consumption has undesirable consequences
Does your six-year-old daughter regularly root for her favorite heroine on screen? Does your eight-year-old son also already have a favorite series? That's nothing out of the ordinary. Children love stories in colorful pictures and enjoy experiencing imaginative or exciting adventures. And parents? Yes, there's no question that the TV program in everyday life sometimes also simply offers the chance to get something important done for half an hour. But of course, children should not be parked in front of the TV.
Experts from education, psychology, medicine and the media agree: the less television, the better! Because too much consumption and the wrong content can be harmful to development. Children who sit in front of the screen for too long are at risk of getting too little exercise, they play less outdoors in nature, less with other children, do less sports, maybe even eat too many unhealthy snacks on the side. Possible consequences include behavioral problems, obesity, sleep and concentration problems, and weaker performance at school.
The German Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) has published a recommendation on the daily media usage times of children. Parents can use this as a guide. It states that children between the ages of 6 and 10 should not watch TV, videos or play on a tablet, computer or console for more than 60 minutes a day. Timing is also important: not before school, not at mealtime, not right before bedtime. Other activities should not be neglected, including sufficient exercise, joint activities with the family, playing with friends. You can find the complete recommendation of the BZgA as a download in the sidebar.
What children are allowed to watch is very important. Far too often, some children watch films or programs that disturb or frighten them, that they do not understand. What is wrong, therefore, is to give your child free choice about what he or she watches. Good children's television should be age-appropriate. It can impart knowledge in an entertaining way, explain the background to world events, encourage imagination and strengthen media competence. Whenever possible, you should watch the program together with your children.
The choice of programs today is limitless. And often, certain shows your child has heard about at school or from older siblings hold a special appeal. So what can you use as a guide? Recommendations are made by youth protection organizations after thorough examination. Such age ratings are issued by the Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle Fernsehen (FSF) and the Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft (FSK). These state whether there are risks to child development when viewing the respective media. Films, for example, that are approved "from 6" can be difficult for four-year-olds to cope with. However, the guideline values only provide orientation. The age rating does not guarantee that your six-year-old child will be able to handle the media content without any problems. As a parent, you know your child best: watch how your child behaves and reacts. If you notice that your child does not understand the content or that what he or she is seeing is bothering or even frightening your child, talk about it together. With conversation, you can resolve fears in most cases.
Tips for parents at a glance
In elementary school age, the use time of all media should be max. 60 minutes per day. Agree together on rules, when and for how long, for example, the TV may be turned on.
Follow age ratings and age recommendations. Many program info give appropriate advice. Or find out on Flimmo.de, the parents' guide to TV, streaming and YouTube.
Don't let your child decide on the program alone in front of the TV and get into conversation with each other about what you've seen.
Access the media libraries if a program is broadcast at an inappropriate time. Then you can determine when what is watched.
Remember: parents are the best role models for their children. This also applies to media consumption. Television, smartphone and Co. should not determine family life. There are so many other alternative options: Sports, discover nature, meet friends, go to the playground, arrange game nights or read exciting books.
Where can we find help and advice?
The Elterntalk NRW offers an exchange on the topic "How much television is ok?". The Elterntalk takes place at several locations in NRW. More info about it and how you can participate can be found on the portal Elterntalk NRW.
On the website www.flimmo.de parents can find guidance on TV, streaming, YouTube and cinema. There, you can also get advice and ratings on which shows are appropriate for which age groups, for example, specifically with the start of school. Read on the portal of Flimmo also the Tips on media education and how to accompany your child competently.
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More informationLinks for further reading
On the Children's Health Info portal of the Federal Center for Health Education BZgA, you can find out why television is such a popular medium for children.
The portal Schau hin explains the age rating for films and describes according to which the Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry (FSK) judges what is suitable for children and young people.
