New klicksafe parents' guideWhat families can do to combat problematic media consumption
There are numerous terms for excessive media consumption and the associated health, social and emotional consequences. For example, there is talk of media, online or internet addiction, but also media dependency. However, prolonged and frequent media use is not necessarily an addiction. However, it can indicate a risk of addiction.
In our new parents' guide, we use the term "media addiction", among others. However, "media addiction" is not yet a recognized diagnosis. The use of the term is therefore sometimes controversial in specialist circles. Nevertheless, we have decided to use this term as it is used and understood by many people in everyday language. In our parents' guide, we explain in detail what the difference is between pathological and merely intensive media use.
Current usage figures
Young people (aged 13-19) spend an average of 231 minutes a day on their smartphone(JIM Study 2025). A study by Ruhr University Bochum on social media use shows that around a third of users - and even half of younger people - show addiction-like symptoms that can affect their everyday life and mental health. In the longitudinal study DAK Gesundheit 2025/2026, between 4 and 6.6 percent of 10- to 17-year-olds exhibit pathological media behavior, depending on the digital service.
When is an addiction present?
An addiction can exist if the user behavior can no longer be controlled. For example, if withdrawal symptoms or mood swings occur without media consumption. The loss of hobbies and social contacts, lying about the extent of use and absences from school can also be indications. Online activities are continued even though negative consequences such as physical and psychological impairments are already being felt.
How can you recognize signs of media addiction?
Is your child often overtired because they use media too late in the evening or too early in the morning instead of getting enough sleep? Does your child skip meals to play, surf or stream? Does your child seem nervous, irritable or depressed when they have to do without social media, digital games or streaming portals? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you should pay attention. Use our checklistto get an initial overview of whether your child is showing signs of problematic media use.
How parents can prevent media addiction
It is important that parents recognize signs in their children in good time and, ideally, promote healthy media use as a preventative measure. This is exactly where the new guide "Always on?! Media addiction in children and young people" from klicksafe: It offers guidance, specialist information and specific tips on how to protect children and young people. You can find the following tips for parents in our new guide:
- Take an interest in the digital world that excites your child. Talk regularly about their media experiences. If you know what your child is doing on the screen, you can guide them sensibly and set limits. This will also make the fascination more understandable and your child will feel taken seriously.
- Explain the addictive properties of digital media. What do loot boxes, algorithms and streaks mean? Discuss which manipulative mechanisms are used to keep users hooked for as long as possible.
- As parents, you have a role model function. Therefore, review your own media behavior and set a good example.
- Create a respectful family environment in which your child feels valued. This will boost your child's self-confidence and encourage them to confide in you when problems arise.
- Digital time-outs are important. Provide stimulation and alternatives to smartphones, games consoles and the like, for example in the form of joint activities or leisure activities. Meal times should be media-free times.
- To mitigate the effects of manipulative design strategies on your child, deactivate the push notifications in the apps and restrict the autoplay function to reduce the "endless effect" of the videos. You can usually do this in the settings of the respective platform. You can find instructions on how to do this at www.medien-kindersicher.de.
- Agree fixed usage times together. Show your child that you trust them to stick to these agreements.
- Many parental control programs offer the option of restricting the use of apps to certain time slots. They also usually provide an overview of daily or weekly use. In consultation with the child, these technical tools can help them to stick to the agreed usage times and remind them to take breaks. You can find further information in our topic area on parental control programs.
Order or download now: Parents' guide to media addiction
Further information from klicksafe on the topic
