Children between the ages of 6 and 10 are increasingly developing their own interest in digital media. Whether it's watching TV together, immersing themselves in exciting computer games or even getting their first cell phone - media is becoming increasingly important at this stage of life. But how much screen time is still acceptable? And when does it make sense to have your own cell phone? The balance between fascination and responsibility is not always easy to find. As a parent, you are faced with the task of balancing your child's media use while at the same time paying attention to potential dangers such as media addiction and cybergrooming. Targeted media education is the key to teaching your child how to use digital content safely. So that your child learns early on how to use their cell phone and other digital devices responsibly. As a parent, you can help your child develop a healthy and reflective relationship with media that encourages fun and exploration, but also protects them from potential dangers. Here you will find valuable tips and information to help you guide your child through this important development phase. Read how you can set rules for media use together and how you can support your child in using digital media sensibly and safely.

Digital media is becoming increasingly important for children aged between 10 and 16 as they get older. They communicate via social networks such as Instagram and TikTok, get information online and follow the content of influencers. However, intensive media use also harbors dangers: Media addiction and cybergrooming are risks that children can come into contact with. In addition, unrealistic ideals of beauty propagated on social media can have a negative impact on self-image and mental health. As parents, you have the important task of supporting your child in this sensitive phase of life and helping them to develop a healthy approach to media. Comprehensive media education is particularly important in this age group. It enables you to empower your child to critically scrutinize digital content and protect themselves from the dangers of the digital world. In this focus topic, you will find practical tips and valuable suggestions on how you can guide your child through this exciting but also challenging phase of life. You will learn how to develop strategies together to positively shape your child's media use and strengthen their media skills .

The years between 16 and 18 are a time of transition and self-discovery. Teenagers become young adults and use digital media to inform themselves, entertain themselves and communicate with their peers. They are often confronted with issues such as ideals of beauty, cybergrooming and media addiction. At this stage of life, it is particularly important that young people learn to critically scrutinize media and not allow themselves to be influenced by unrealistic ideals. In-depth media education plays a key role here, as it helps young adolescents to develop a healthy self-image and to shape their media use in a conscious and reflective manner. As parents, you can provide crucial support during this time by talking openly about the challenges of the digital world and developing strategies together with your child to deal with them. Here you will find valuable suggestions and tips from everyday family life on how to accompany your child on the way to a self-determined and responsible approach to media. Together, you can ensure that your child navigates the digital world safely and finds a healthy balance between online and offline life.

Media also play a central role in the everyday lives of young adults aged 18 and over - whether for information, entertainment or communication. However, the risks of the digital media world, such as media addiction, remain relevant for this age group too. As parents, you can continue to play an important role by engaging in an open and equal exchange with your adult child. Show an interest in their media habits and stay in touch about current issues. By engaging in a respectful dialog as equals, in which there is also room for critical discussions, you can help to promote conscious and healthy media use. In this section, you will find numerous suggestions and tips on how young adults can further develop their media skills and arm themselves against negative influences from the digital world. Both parents and young adults can find valuable support here to help them use media consciously and responsibly during this important phase of their lives.

Children's rights take center stage on World Children's Day. Read here to find out what rights children have and how you as parents can help to protect and promote them.

Today's World Alzheimer's Day raises awareness of the challenges that dementia can bring. On the Familienportal.NRW, you can find out how to talk to your child about the disease and create understanding.

Education and precautions protect

On today's Dental Health Day, we are giving you helpful tips on teething and your child's dental health. Read here how you can support their development as well as possible.

Does your child have a reading or spelling difficulty? On Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Day, we draw attention to learning difficulties in elementary school. Find out here how you can recognize signs and provide your child with the best possible support.

On the occasion of Older People's Day, we at Familienportal.NRW are shedding light on the role of grandparents in the family. They are often close caregivers for your child. Find out more about their rights and duties.