Media literacy is not the same as media habituation

Children consume the various media offerings intuitively and as a matter of course, but often completely uncritically. Although they can operate computers, tablets and smartphones without problems, they are quickly overwhelmed when it comes to selecting content.

Learn not only to use, but also to select

Media literacy not only means 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 for responsible handling of digital media: Media-literate children should be able to realistically assess their media consumption and consciously regulate it.

Media literacy as part of school education?

When it comes to Use of digital media in school Germany has some catching up to do: While in other countries it has long been common for schoolchildren to integrate interactive content into their homework and school projects, media literacy here is still mostly a family matter. Only gradually did digital media find their way 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 playing, for homework and in communication with friends and family they are online most of the time. But children also need to learn online media literacy. Information and clear agreements help with that.

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

2. Know the dangers: Talk to your child about the dangers of the Internet in an age-appropriate way. They should know that there are images and videos 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 may use the Internet. A tally sheet or a points system on the PC may help so that your child can keep an overview and there are no arguments.

4. Be informed: Use the Internet together with your child, at least occasionally. This 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 sites and services: The Federal Youth Ministry provides 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 content where children can move around 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 raising children. 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 should not devalue these offerings too much – sometimes that even increases their appeal. Instead, make sure that media consumption remains within reasonable limits and repeatedly offer alternative activities such as reading a book aloud, going to children's theatre, or watching a film together.

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

Stay open: Follow the development of media and stay open to new things.

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