Screen time: children aged 12-16

By the end of primary school at the latest, children increasingly want to use the internet more freely. Listening to music on the go, playing online games or watching videos - digital media are part of everyday life for most children and young people. The older children get, the more the smartphone and social media play an increasingly important role. This often raises the question for parents: How can I provide my child with good support and at the same time give them enough freedom to become media-savvy and independent? 

Once children have learned to use the internet relatively safely and responsibly, the "surfing leash" can be loosened further. From what age a child actually surfs alone on a computer, tablet or smartphone and to what extent Internet use is accompanied by filtering or parental control programs is up to you as parents.

Children use the Internet and cell phones very differently depending on their level of development, age and interests. How families deal with media also influences the way they are used. Therefore, the following age and time specifications can only be guidelines for discussing the topic of "screen time" in the family.

It is more important to have as balanced a daily routine as possible than to adhere to the exact minutes. Consider how much media use your child enjoys, how much fits into your family routine and how much time your child still has for other exciting activities.

The suggested times refer to the use of screens in general - i.e. smartphones, televisions, tablets, games consoles, laptops and computers. Parents should therefore always keep an eye on their children's overall media use and screen time.

Screen time for children aged 12 to 16

A maximum of 1 to 2 hours of free screen time per day until 9 p.m. at the latest. The usage times should be agreed, also to prevent excessive online use. Age recommendations should be observed and content-related media guidance is recommended. Regularly check whether there is still enough time for school, training and hobbies in addition to media use. Young people should be increasingly encouraged to reflect on their own media consumption. In this way, they learn to assess what is good for them or where problematic use may begin.

1. Stay in touch and agree clear rules 
   Even if the older your children get, the more self-determined and safer their surfing becomes, you should still have regular conversations about their online experiences. Talk to them about the challenges and dangers of the internet and social media. Clear rules on screen time are recommended. These should also include agreements on downloading music and films and handling personal data. You should also discuss the topics of rip-offs, advertising and cost traps with your child. You can use www.mediennutzungsvertrag.de for example .
2. Support your child in gaining age-appropriate online experience
   By the end of primary school, most children have already learned how to navigate the internet safely. Therefore, get your child used to the possibility of accessing previously selected websites via bookmarks or favorites. Accompany your child if they want to try out general search engines in addition to the children's search engines. Without filter and parental control settings, your child can quickly and unintentionally come across problematic content. Help your child to correctly assess the information on websites.
3. Surf together with your child
   Let us show you your child's Internet world. Do not immediately evaluate content, but form a fair judgment. Remember your own experiences of growing up with media and the fascination that media once held for you. Give reasons for your decision if you want to prohibit certain websites and activities on the Internet. Children usually understand your concern - even if they can't admit it straight away - and learn to better assess dangers.
4. Be a good role model
   Children take their cue from their parents - even when it comes to media use. So our tip: regularly check how important media is in your own life. Do you perhaps even look at your smartphone at inappropriate moments? How many hours a day do you use the internet, television, cell phone and other devices in your private life? This also has an impact on your child's use of media.
5. Talk to your child about online friendships
   Just as you talk to your child about "real" activities and friends, you should also keep in touch about corresponding internet experiences and contacts. Think about what etiquette should apply online. Make it clear to your child that they should not meet up with strangers they only know from the internet! If a "real" friendship does develop online, accompany your child to the first meetings. If you suspect that your child is being harassed online, you can report this to fragzebra.de.
6. Talk about problematic content and manners on the internet
   Despite all agreements and measures, children may come across problematic content. In this case, they should know that they can involve their parents without the threat of being banned from the Internet or feeling ashamed. Children need support to deal with possible negative experiences. As a rule, your child should let you know immediately or close the problematic sites and tell you about them. You can then use the browser history to check whether the content is relevant to the protection of minors and report it if necessary.
   You should also talk to older children about pornography, violence, cyberbullying and other problematic topics on the internet . Be sensitive when doing so and respect your child's boundaries. Remain open to your children's questions and topics.
7. Find out about media addiction and be vigilant
   The terms "excessive use", "addiction" or "dependency" are increasingly being used in connection with the internet, smartphones and digital games. Therefore, pay attention to whether your child is often unable to keep to agreed times on the computer and find out about possible warning signs of addiction in our topic area.
   Pay attention to what your child uses their time online for. Make time agreements for the use of smartphones or PCs. Show your child alternatives for using their time. And, if necessary, use time-out functions in the device settings to limit usage times 
8. Stay up to date
   Children and young people often know better than adults what is possible on the internet. However, they are often unaware of the dangers or legal regulations! Subscribe to our free newsletter to be informed about new offers and articles at klicksafe every month. Or use our news articles in your RSS feed. You can also find klicksafe on WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook.