Screen time: children from 0-6 years

With the increasing use of technology in families, younger children also often have access to digital devices. However, they may come across content that is not suitable for their age. Make sure that your children only use age-appropriate and safe content. Close supervision when surfing and playing online is essential for media education at this age.

Screen use: age-appropriate recommendations

• For children aged 0 to 3 years: It is ideal to avoid screen media. Instead, parents should give preference to picture books and audio games. These promote early childhood development and offer valuable opportunities for interaction.
• For children aged 3 to 6: Screen use should be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes per day. It is important that use is not daily and is always accompanied by an adult. The content should be age-appropriate and geared towards the child's interests.

Important notes on screen time

The recommendations relate to the total amount of time children spend with screens, including smartphones, TVs, tablets, games consoles, laptops and computers. The focus should be on a balanced daily routine. It is important that media use is integrated into everyday life without neglecting other activities. Communication via video call with family members should also be integrated into the daily media routine, provided this does not interfere with the daily structure.

1. Enjoy time together 
   Put your cell phone aside while playing with your child and give them your full attention. Make a conscious effort to take time out from your cell phone. Set clear screen times for your work or leisure activities on your cell phone and co. For example, take advantage of having dinner together and let your children tell you about their day.
2. Be a good role model 
   Your child will learn from you and model their behavior on yours. Show your child how to deal with boredom without a cell phone and the like. Even if your screen time seems necessary and justified to you, your children do not differentiate between work and leisure time.
3. Make the devices childproof
   Take enough time to set up all devices used by your child in an age-appropriate way. You can find out how to do this at www.medien-kindersicher.de. Make sure you also set up your own device in a childproof way if you leave it to your child at times.
4. Choose a few good apps from
   Good apps should not only be fun, but also take your child's data protection and privacy into account. Data misuse and advertising are less likely with paid apps. You can find good children's sites and apps at www.seitenstark.de and www.tommi.kids/kindersoftwarepreis, for example .
5. Observe age ratings 
   Age ratings on games and films provide important guidance and protect your child from unsuitable content. The age ratings for computer, console and online games relate to their content. However, they say nothing about whether these games are recommendable or educationally valuable. Use the recommendations at www.spieleratgeber-nrw.de for this . For films and series, use the recommendations from www.flimmo.de.
6. Do not use YouTube and Netflix as a babysitter
   Do not let your child watch series unsupervised. Even harmless children's series contain moments that can be frightening and disturbing for children.
   YouTube is not suitable for children. The YouTube Kids app offers access to videos with predominantly child-friendly content. Ad-free video offers for these services are, for example, ZDFchen or Die Seite mit dem Elefanten. Use children's profiles in streaming services and protect your adult profile with a PIN.
7. Have fun together 
   Don't forget that media use should mean one thing above all else for the family: fun. Explore the options together with your child. This will automatically give you a better picture of what your child is experiencing in the digital world.