Excessive Screen Time Among German Adolescents Remains Prevalent
Unplugged: The Alarming Impact of Screen Time on German Youth
Kids and teenagers are spending way too much time staring at screens - whether it's for TikTok, online gaming, or schoolwork. German youth, unfortunately, top the list with an alarming seven hours daily screen time, according to a recently revealed OECD study. This excessive screen time could have serious negative repercussions on their health.
The OECD Report and Its Implications
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that children as young as seven to twelve years old in France already log more than two hours a day in front of screens. By the time they reach fifteen, German youth clock in an almost seven-hour screen marathon daily. Only four countries surveyed had higher screen time rates, including Poland and Estonia. The Federal Center for Health Education advises that teenagers should keep their screen time to a maximum of two hours.
Phenomenon "Phubbing": Problematic Digital Media Use Surges
The pandemic significantly boosted digital media usage, as football training, dance classes, and other activities were canceled. With more time on their hands, children and teenagers were spending more time online. However, even after the pandemic, media usage persisted and even decreased, albeit slightly, according to the Postbank digital study.
The long-term consequences of excessive digital media usage are still under-researched, but it's clear that high consumption, particularly in the evening, negatively impacts sleep quality. Resulting fatigue may lead to exhaustion and a preference for passive activities like watching TV the following day. Placing screens in children's bedrooms can exacerbate this issue.
Mental Health Struggles
The OECD reports that the mental health of young people has deteriorated significantly over the past 15 years. This trend was intensified by the pandemic. While research has yet to find a clear causal link between these developments and excessive screen time, negative outcomes are still possible, such as excessive use, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Studies suggest that problematic consumption increases the risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, school difficulties, body image problems, and sleep disorders, with girls often being more affected[2].
Warnings About Developmental Disruptions
Joachim Türk, the Vice President of the Child Protection Association, cautions that excessive screen time can significantly hinder children's development. Young children need sensory stimulation like touch, smell, and taste to truly understand the world. "Even the smartest screen can't provide that," Türk says.
For older children and teenagers, excessive screen time may lead to the loss of the ability to focus on one thing for an extended period due to the constant stream of social media posts. In Germany, over half of 10-year-olds already have their own smartphone, with the number varying depending on socio-economic status. By the age of 15, almost all have their own device.
The Digital Age Dilemma: Opportunities vs. Risks
Kai Hanke, CEO of the German Children's Aid Organization, recognizes the immense potential the digital world offers to children. However, turning off screens isn't a viable option, he says. Instead, parents, schools, media, and legislation must create an environment that enables children to utilize this potential responsibly. Berthold Koletzko, pediatrician and chairman of the Foundation for Child Health, echoes Hanke's sentiments and calls for binding standards for safe digital content, clear advertising restrictions, and more risk awareness. Schools should also teach media literacy and create spaces free from phones and tablets.
In conclusion, excessive screen time poses significant risks to the health and mental health of children and teenagers, and these concerns are pertinent in Germany as well as other countries. As the digital age evolves, it's crucial to address these issues holistically, ensuring that children and teenagers have access to screen-based benefits while mitigating potential negative consequences.
- Children
- Media
- Studies
[1] How's Life for Children in the Digital Age? OECD (2022). https://www.oecd.org/education/collaborative-learning/lives-of-children-in-the-digital-age-parenting-and-education-policy-responses-to-digital-transformations.htm[2] Hanke, K., Meckelhon, D., & Renn, C. (2021). The negative consequences of excessive digital media use on children's health. Zeitschrift für Gesundheitswissenschaften, 107(5), 783–791.[3] PISA 2025 Learning in the Digital World. OECD (2022). https://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisa-2025-advance-information-on-assessment-framework-learning-in-the-digital-world-9789264321581-en.htm[4] McElroy, W. (2019). Children's Sedentary Behaviour and Exercise Habits - Overview. BMJ Best Practice. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/724
- The OECD report found that children as young as seven years old in France log more than two hours a day in front of screens, with the screen time gradually increasing as they grow older.
- Studies suggest that problematic consumption of digital media increases the risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, school difficulties, body image problems, and sleep disorders in children.
- The long-term consequences of excessive digital media usage are still under-researched, but it's evident that high consumption, particularly in the evening, negatively impacts sleep quality.
- In the digital age, it's crucial for parents, schools, media, and legislation to create an environment that enables children to utilize the potential of digital media responsibly, while teaching media literacy and creating spaces free from phones and tablets.
