miniKIM study: Streaming offers have arrived in the everyday life of young children

According to the new miniKIM study, two- to five-year-old children already spend as much time with streaming services as with traditional television. klicksafe presents some of the study's findings and provides parents with guidance on the safe use of streaming services.
miniKIM study: Streaming offers have arrived in the everyday life of young children

With the miniKIM Study 2020, the Medienpädagogische Forschungsverbund Südwest (mpfs) in cooperation with Südwestrundfunk (SWR) presents basic data on the media use of children between the ages of two and five for the third time after 2012 and 2014. For the study, a total of 600 primary educators were surveyed online about their children's media behavior.

One of the key findings of the study is that around half of the children already watch shows via paid streaming services such as Netflix. 38 percent use free video portals such as YouTube. Just under a third of children watch shows at least weekly in media libraries, via broadcasters' websites or apps. Even the children's favorite shows - number one "Paw Patrol" followed by "Peppa Wutz " - are primarily watched by the little ones via media libraries, apps, streaming services or on YouTube, etc.

According to the survey, nine out of ten main educators believe that the Internet is dangerous for children and that children should only be online if a special filter program is installed on their PC. When using streaming services, it is also important that the devices and programs used are set correctly and that their use is supported by media education measures. However, 44 percent of the main educators do not know any filter programs and more than a quarter do not know where to get information on this topic.

klicksafe provides support for the safe use of streaming services

The klicksafe guide Netflix, Disney und Co. - Streamingdienste sicher nutzen (Netflix, Disney and Co. - Using Streaming Services Safely ) explains to parents in an understandable way, with illustrated instructions, how to set up the various services correctly for use by children. In addition, we offer information on the use of YouTube and YouTube Kids in our parents' area.

Further information on the study

The entire miniKIM study 2020 is available for download on the mpfs website.

The Medienpädagogischer Forschungsverbund Südwest is a cooperation of the Landesanstalt für Kommunikation Baden-Württemberg (LFK) and the Medienanstalt Rheinland-Pfalz. The study is carried out in cooperation with Südwestrundfunk (SWR).

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