Warning Signs: Is My Child's Screen Use Still Normal?
When is it still normal, when does it become critical? A clear look at three stages — from age-appropriate through dysregulated to a serious disorder.
It is not screen minutes alone that matter, but whether other areas of life are being displaced. The AWMF guideline follows the displacement principle: is sleep, exercise, school, or social life being affected? The following three stages will help you assess the situation.
What is the AWMF guideline?
AWMF stands for Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften(Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany). This umbrella organization unites over 180 medical societies in Germany and publishes evidence-based guidelines — recommendations for action based on the current state of research.
The guideline referenced here on the prevention of dysregulated screen media use in children and adolescents defines clear criteria for when media use becomes problematic. It does not rely on rigid time limits but on the displacement principle: it becomes critical when sleep, exercise, school, or social life suffers from media consumption.
Quick Test
Where does your child stand?
Answer 8 short questions about everyday situations. At the end you will receive a personal assessment with concrete recommendations.
Die vereinbarte Bildschirmzeit ist vorbei. Wie reagiert Ihr Kind?
Es ist Nachmittag und keine Schule. Was macht Ihr Kind am liebsten?
Wie schläft Ihr Kind unter der Woche ein?
Wie läuft es in der Schule oder mit Hausaufgaben?
Wie geht Ihr Kind mit Langeweile oder Frust um?
Wie sieht es mit Freundschaften und sozialen Kontakten aus?
Gibt es bei Ihnen zu Hause Regeln zur Mediennutzung?
Wie viel bewegt sich Ihr Kind täglich (außerhalb der Schule)?
Next Steps
No matter where you stand — there are concrete measures that help right away.