Further increase in children's media consumption
According to a survey, children's media consumption has increased further since the end of the pandemic. While 53% of 10 to 13-year-olds regularly used digital games during the coronavirus crisis according to their parents, the figure is now 80%, according to a survey published in Leverkusen by Pronova BKK.
Among 14 to 17-year-olds, the proportion of digital gamers rose from 69 to 76 percent. Among six to nine-year-olds, 69% play games, compared to 47% during the pandemic. Television consumption also increased. While 59% of six to nine-year-olds watched TV frequently during coronavirus according to their parents, the figure is now 79%. Among 10 to 13-year-olds, television consumption rose from 62% to 83%. The increase among older children was similarly strong.
According to the study, 10 to 13-year-olds spend 11 hours on screen-based activities - one hour more than for offline activities. 14 to 17-year-olds even devote 15 hours to various screens - 6 hours more than for other activities. Under-3s consume media for four hours a week.
At the same time, however, children are also more active than before and during the pandemic. For example, 70 percent of 6 to 9-year-olds now paint, draw and do arts and crafts. During corona, the figure was 58%, before 45%. 58% of 10 to 13-year-olds currently do sport without a club, while 42% went running or cycling during the coronavirus crisis and 33% before. Among 14 to 17-year-olds, this individual sport without a club rose from 42 to 58 percent. A total of one thousand households with children were surveyed in July.
- The study, published in Leverkusen by Pronova BKK, showed an international trend as well, with children globally spending more time on cell phones and other digital devices.
- The increase in media consumption among children during the Corona crisis was not just limited to Germany; similar trends were observed in various international media surveys and studies.
- The survey findings highlighted that, despite the increased media consumption, children in Leverkusen also participated in more physical activities, like painting, drawing, and sports, compared to the pre-pandemic period.
- The rise in children's media consumption, particularly during the Corona crisis, has become a topic of concern in many international media outlets, sparking debates about the impact of digital devices on children's health and development.
Source: www.ntv.de
