Media literacy is not the same as media habituation

Children consume the various media offerings intuitively and naturally, but often completely uncritically. While they can easily operate computers, tablets and smartphones, they are quickly overwhelmed when it comes to selecting content.

Not just use, but also learn to choose

Media literacy doesn't just mean being able to use digital media technically, but above all, to critically evaluate offered content and to learn to make an appropriate selection. The duration of use also plays a major role in the responsible handling of digital media: media-literate children should be able to realistically assess and consciously control their media consumption.

Media literacy as part of school education?

When it comes to the use of digital media in schools Germany has a lot to catch up on: While in other countries it has long been common for schoolchildren to be expected to integrate interactive content into their homework and school projects, media literacy here is still mostly a family matter. Only gradually have digital media been introduced into lessons and are increasingly also seen as a tool for developing learning content regarded.

The Internet as a key medium for children and adolescents

Of all available media, the Internet is by far the most important for children and adolescents. They use it, consciously or unconsciously, practically around the clock. When watching TV and listening to music, for gaming, for homework and in communication with friends and family, they are online most of the time. But children also have to learn online media literacy. Information and clear agreements help with that.

1. Keep an eye out: Pay attention to which content your child consumes when they are on the Internet. PCs and tablets are not suitable for 'parking' children – take part in your child's media consumption and help them make choices.

2. Know the risks: Talk to your child about the dangers of the Internet in an age-appropriate way. They should know that there are images and films that may frighten them, but also that there are people who use the Internet for criminal activities.

3. Clear agreements: You should agree with your child from the start when and for how long they are allowed to use the Internet. A tally chart or a points system on the PC might help your child keep track and avoid trouble.

4. Stay informed: Use the Internet together with your child, at least from time to time. That way you can not only support them in choosing media, but also gain insight into what is currently popular among children of the same age group.

5. Use child-friendly websites and services: The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth offers various secure online formats for children, for example the KinderServer, which can switch computers and mobile devices into a child-safe mode. The children's search engine 'Blinde Kuh' and the child-safe surfing space 'fragFINN' also offer age-appropriate services where children can navigate independently.

Developing children's media literacy – a few tips

Integrate into everyday life: Media are a fixed part of everyday life. Therefore, the development of media literacy should also be an everyday part of child-rearing. Clear rules, open, honest communication and the occasional discussion are part of it.

Don't demonize: Even if you yourself can't do much with computer games or TV series, you shouldn't belittle these offerings too much – sometimes that even increases their appeal. Instead, make sure that media consumption stays within reasonable limits and repeatedly offer alternative activities e.g., reading a book aloud, going to children's theatre or watching a film together.

Be a role model: Children also learn responsible media consumption by the example of their parents. If mom and dad are already fiddling on their phones at breakfast or spend the whole afternoon in front of the TV, it's hard for children to understand that they should limit their media consumption.

Keep an open mind: Follow the development of media and stay open to new things. That way you can more easily understand your child's media consumption and actively support them in developing their media literacy.

Image credits

Father and daughter look at a tablet together and laugh © JenkoAtaman - stock.adobe.com

Children in class work on a laptop © Gorodenkoff - stock.adobe.com

Father and daughter sit at a laptop © JenkoAtaman - stock.adobe.com