Regulated use of digital media

klicksafe supports parents in competently guiding their children in the use of digital media. The aim is for children to use the internet, digital games, smartphones and apps in a safe, responsible and self-determined way.

Media education works best when parents and children explore the digital world together. Through active support, parents can get to know their children's digital interests, try out suitable behaviour and minimize risks through technical protective measures. An open discussion about online experiences and clear rules about usage times create a solid basis for healthy media use. Trust is also the key to success here.

When should children start using the internet?

Similar to shopping or the playground, the question arises: When is your child ready to use the internet on their own? This decision should depend on how well your child is prepared for the risks and stumbling blocks online. In terms of media education, this means that you should closely accompany your child when they start using the Internet and enable them to continue using it. This is the only way to ensure that they do not come across unsuitable or dangerous content. You should also ensure that the devices and services used by your child are set up safely. We have put together a list of child-friendly online services for your child's first forays online.

On our subpages you will find specific tips for media education for children in different age groups:

• 0 to 6 years
• 6 to 12 years
• 12 to 16 years

As children get older, they spend more and more time online, especially on smartphones. While they are increasingly responsible for their own actions, they may also come across content that is not age-appropriate or even disturbing. Adolescent issues are often reflected online, which can be an additional challenge for parents. It is important to maintain a basis of trust and stay in dialog about online activities.

Once children have learned to use the internet safely and responsibly, technical restrictions can be gradually relaxed. It is up to the parents to decide how much independence a young person is given when surfing and which filter or parental control programs are used.

However, it should be noted that there are currently no universal filtering or parental control programs that work equally on computers, smartphones and tablets across all devices. Different settings must therefore be made depending on the device.

For younger children, child search engines as well as filter and parental control programs can be helpful in limitingaccess to content that is harmful to minors . Please note: Technical aids do not offer complete protection and should be used as a supplement to media education.

With increasing age and technical know-how of the children, it becomes more difficult to keep filter programs completely effective. Filters can also block important websites, such as those on sex education. The pros and cons of these programs should therefore be carefully weighed up. Further information can be found in our section on parental control programs.

Our guides, brochures and family checklists will help you guide your child on the path to independent and responsible Internet use.

Media usage contract

The media usage contract offers families a simple way to create clear rules for media usage. This contract can be created online, saved and either signed digitally or printed out. It is important that the rules are discussed together and compromises are found. When children see that their needs are heard and taken into account, acceptance of the agreed rules increases considerably. The contract should also be regularly adapted to the child's changing abilities and needs.

Media vouchers

Media vouchers are a helpful tool to support time agreements and enable children to manage their media time independently. This gradually encourages children to take responsibility.

Depending on the age and experience of the child, specific times for certain devices or media can be entered on media vouchers. For younger children who are not yet able to read and write, there is the option of coloring in a period of time on a blank clock together with their parents. The vouchers can be creatively designed, for example with the child's favorite media heroes. As soon as the child wants to use their media time, they hand the voucher in to their parents.

With media vouchers, children learn to decide for themselves how to use their media time wisely. However, parents should continue to check whether the games, films or videos selected are age-appropriate and suitable for the child's stage of development. The agreed media times should also be regularly reviewed and adjusted if necessary.

For children of primary school age, a manageable range of websites, apps and good online games is sufficient. These can be accessed by the child again and again. The following points will help you assess whether an Internet offering is suitable for children.

A child-friendly app or website...

• ...is free of violence and only presents content that is appropriate for the child's age.
• ...has a simple structure, is easy to use and uses a child-friendly approach.
• ...stimulates your child's imagination and curiosity.
• ...encourages your child to engage offline.
• ...refrains from advertising and links to social networks, advertising sites, app stores or other offers that are not suitable for children.
• ...does not offer the possibility to buy paid extensions.
• ...is best used without an Internet connection .
• ...does not ask for personal data and does not demand excessive permissions.