Parent Guide
Age Logic
Overview
Instead of rigid bans
Media guidance depends on age and development. You don't need to be a tech pro – it's about guidance and exploring together.
0–3 years: As little as possible
Discover the real world
0–3 years
Discover the real world
This helps
- Avoid screen time as much as possible
- If at all, short and accompanied (e.g., video chat with grandma)
- Lots of reading, playing, being outside
- Parents as role models: put away your own phone
Avoid
- Tablet as a "pacifier"
- Background TV while playing
- Own devices for toddlers
4–6 years: Discover together
Explore accompanied
4–6 years
Explore accompanied
This helps
- Max. 30 minutes per day
- Always be there, watch together
- Choose age-appropriate apps/videos
- Talk about what was seen
- Clear rules: when, how long, what
Avoid
- Leave alone with device
- Free access to YouTube/Internet
- Screen before sleep
7–10 years: Gradually more
Rules & guidance
7–10 years
Rules & guidance
This helps
- Max. 1 hour per day
- First own device possible (with restrictions)
- Enable screen time & parental controls
- Choose apps together
- Regularly talk about online experiences
Avoid
- Unrestricted internet access
- Social media (minimum age usually 13)
- Device in bedroom at night
11–13 years: More freedom, clear limits
Build trust
11–13 years
Build trust
This helps
- Own smartphone possible
- Negotiate rules together
- Social media from 13 – with privacy settings
- Conversations about cyberbullying, fake news
- Screen time limits, but more responsibility
Avoid
- Secret surveillance
- Complete bans
- Disinterest
14+ years: Accompany instead of control
Self-responsibility
14+ years
Self-responsibility
This helps
- Transfer more responsibility
- Continue showing interest
- Be there for problems
- Shared screen-free times
- Be a role model
Avoid
- Control mania
- Complete letting go
- Blame for mistakes
Development instead of age
Every child is different. Some 10-year-olds are more mature than some 13-year-olds. Orient yourself to your child's development level.
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