Why “Screen-free until 3”?
An intervention study by the University of Witten/Herdecke and BVKJ Service GmbH.
Experts agree that, on average, young children spend too much time with digital screen media. Among us adults, too, the amount of time spent on digital communication, movies and computer games is also increasing. This has downsides, especially for children. The excessive use of screen media by parents and children can have numerous health effects. Meanwhile, largely avoiding screen media for the first 3 years of life is associated with a wide variety of positive effects in a number of developmental areas such as fine motor skills, attention and social behavior.
PROJECT AIMS
The aim of the study is, on the one hand, to sensitize the participating parents to the use and dangers of screen media. On the other hand, the accompanying study is meant to show what effects this additional awareness can have on media behavior and what conclusions can be drawn regarding child development.
THE STUDY
This is a Germany-wide, randomized study of the effectiveness of a screen media use intervention as part of routine care in the pediatrician’s office (preventive check-up). The target group is all children born in 2022 who are cared for in one of the participating practices.
In addition to providing tips and information for parents, the pediatrician’s office will ask parents to participate in the associated survey as part of the regular preventive check-ups.
You can find more detailed information under Screen-free up to 3.
We would also like to refer you to the follow-up project “Screen-free – Be there!” with children from the age of three, financed by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee. Information on this can be found at: “Screen-free – Be there!”