Increased use of digital devices among young children in Germany

Germany has seen a significant change in young children’s use of smart devices, as highlighted by the latest miniKIM study on how children aged two to five years old interact with media. The study shows that as of 2023, one in five young children had access to a tablet, an increase of 50% compared to data collected in 2020.

Moreover, statistics from parent reports show that one in ten young children between the ages of two and five already own a personal cell phone or smartphone. Surprisingly, 42% of parents mentioned that their young children do not have their own digital devices.

The miniKIM survey is carried out by the Medienpädagogischen Forschungsverbund Südwest (mpfs), a collaboration between the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg (LFK) and the Medienanstalt Rheinland-Pfalz in cooperation with the Südwestrundfunk (SWR). Last September, an online survey was conducted among 600 parents about the media consumption habits of their children aged two to five.

The study, which claims to be representative of German-speaking households using the Internet, covers various aspects, including daily screen time, media preferences and young children’s daily activities.

This article will be updated as new data becomes available.

Additional facts:

– Research has shown that excessive screen time in young children can lead to delayed development of social skills, language acquisition and cognitive skills.
– There is debate among experts about the appropriate age at which children should start using digital devices, with some recommending very limited or no exposure before a certain age.
– Educational apps and games designed for young children have gained popularity as parents look for ways to incorporate technology into their child’s learning process.

Key questions:
1. What are the long-term effects of increased use of digital devices by young children?
2. How can parents ensure their children have a healthy balance between screen time and other activities?
3. What guidelines and recommendations exist regarding screen time for young children?

Key challenges/controversies:
– Balancing the benefits of technology with the potential risks of excessive screen time is a challenge for parents.
– There is no consensus among experts on the optimal approach to introducing digital devices to young children.
– Some parents face criticism for allowing too much screen time or completely limiting their children’s use of digital devices.

Advantages:
– Digital devices can provide educational content and interactive learning experiences for young children.
– Smart devices can serve as a tool to communicate and stay connected with family members, especially in today’s digital age.

Inconveniences:
– Excessive screen time can potentially lead to behavioral problems, sleep disorders and a sedentary lifestyle.
– There is a risk that children will become dependent on digital devices for entertainment and feel disconnected from the real world.

Related links:
– Medienpädagogischen Forschungsverbund Südwest (mpfs)
– Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg (LFK)
– Medienanstalt Rheinland-Pfalz
– Südwestrundfunk (SWR)