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Children come into contact with digital media earlier and earlier in their everyday lives. As a parent, it is important to encourage responsible parenting.

The digital age: the transformation of the media

The changing times mean that children come into contact with media at an earlier age. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that the family environment usually uses media such as smartphones, tablets or television on a daily basis, but also to the child’s curiosity: children love to observe and try out new things. In addition, the often simple use of the devices by swiping, typing or zooming makes it possible for children to quickly take a liking to them.

So today children grow up “surrounded by technology”; they have usually been in contact with digital media from an early age. The possibilities of modern media are also often used in educational institutions, for example to pass on information material and to use alternative learning methods. In the course of their development, the media world does not appear to be “foreign” to the children, but rather they take it for granted and are enthusiastic about it. This is where it is important to intervene as the child’s authority figure and caregiver: the child should maintain a healthy skepticism about media content and be aware of the dangers.

Characteristics of unhealthy media use

Children’s affinity for digital devices such as computers, smartphones or televisions is often very high. They offer a wide range of sounds, images and videos, which is very popular with children and stimulates the stimuli. The extent to which children are attracted to the media content and how intensely the material affects them varies from child to child: While some children can hardly be influenced, others appear more aggressive, overexcited or listless. This already shows that media not only offer advantages, but can also have disadvantages.

In its 2020 media addiction prevention offensive, the DAK examined the effects and changes in media use and was able to identify six signs of unhealthy media use in the course of the study. These include:

contact behavior. The child or young person avoids family, friends or other social encounters. Social life is severely neglected, so that conversations are seldom or only superficial. The virtual space is considered the only desired contact.
times of use. Internet use is intensifying and the usual leisure activities and contact with reality are shortened accordingly. The reason for this can also be the variety of digital media offers: First watch a film on TV, then play a computer game and keep checking your smartphone.
daily structure. The healthy and regular sleeping rhythm is disturbed. A game is often played or a series watched late into the night, so that the day ends much too late. Fatigue, absence or sluggishness as well as reduced performance can be identified.
Affect. If the child or young person has no access to the Internet, depressive, aggressive or angry reactions appear.
Carelessness. The lack of sleep associated with the previous changes, the isolation from social contacts and reality often means that children and young people can no longer fulfill their tasks and obligations. Even hobbies are neglected or given up entirely.
Self reflection. Affected children and young people often find it difficult to realistically assess their own internet use. They get lost in the media and often don’t even know how much time actually elapses.

Tips for regulated media consumption

Children and young people depend on the help of adults when it comes to healthy media consumption. It is important that you help your child to use digital media consciously. An important point is a regulated usage time, which is based on the age of the children.

Klicksafe, an initiative of the European Union, recommends a usage time of about one hour a day for children from 10 to 13 years old, for 14 to 17 year olds the decision should be made depending on the family and personal situation. Klicksafe also lists the idea of ​​”media vouchers”: The “allowed time” could be transferred to vouchers that the child can freely allocate. These coupons can also be set to a specific device. In this way, the child also learns to deal responsibly with time.

It is advisable to agree on a fixed weekly quota for media use instead of fixed times of the day. This is how screen times are set, but the division is left to the child himself. It can be helpful to set an alarm clock so that the time is really observed and the child gets a feeling for its consumption. Show your child other ways to keep themselves busy: It is often a “reflex” to turn on the television when boredom sets in. For example, you could encourage your child to play an analog game, run around outside, do crafts, draw, or read. To prevent addictive behavior, it can also make sense to take “media-free times”. This means that smartphones, tablets or the television remain switched off during a family outing or at the dining table, for example. It can also be a good idea to avoid media for an hour or two before bed. The important thing is to be a role model. If you use your smartphone continuously, it will also be more difficult for the child to stick to agreed times. So you too should reflect on your media behavior and try to be a good role model for your child.

The type and function of the media are also age-dependent: Take a look! informed about which devices could be useful from what age. Babies react instinctively and mainly to light and sound effects: Independent use of media cannot and should not take place at this age. If a child exceeds the first year of life, it can usually differentiate between “image” and “reality”. The child is able to consciously turn to mobile media; however, the area of ​​experience for children under the age of three should be primarily in the real world. Children between the ages of three and four slowly develop an understanding of symbols and media. Tablets are a great opportunity for children of this age to express themselves creatively, to try out themselves and to perceive new characters in films or series. What is important is the shared use of the media and the regulated period of time. At the age of five to six, children use media as a source of knowledge, as a means of orientation, entertainment and as a toy. Here it is important that you help the child to deal with safe offers and support them if possible. The first “own smartphone”, which many children are pushing for, should only be purchased when the child is able to perceive the dangers of the Internet and knows how to protect itself. This is usually the case from around 12 years of age. Here, too, you should talk to the child about the rules, costs and apps and try out how to deal with the child responsibly.

Child-friendly media offerings

There are numerous media offers that are classified as “sustainable” by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. In these, children should learn how to use media responsibly; The advantage of the offers is that the parents act as “companions” in the digital world and can therefore offer assistance if questions or uncertainties arise with the child. A first tip is the children’s search engine “Blinde Kuh”. It is a search engine that provides news, hands-on offers, and tips for surfing and games especially for children.

Another recommended offer is the page Klick-Tipps.net. The site offers information on various topics, but also surveys or knowledge tests are offered. All content has been subjected to a pedagogical examination.

Children and young people often show a special interest in computer and console games. Which games are recommended from a pedagogical point of view are summarized in a brochure every year, which can be a useful guide.

You can find other pedagogically valuable and child-friendly sites at Seitenstark e.V. This is a network in which certified children’s sites work together to provide sustainable offers for children.

Social media connects and connects people. But there are also repeated discussions about the consequences of intensive use. Studies show that this can also be dangerous.

Consequences of social media on the psyche: Young people are particularly at risk

A look at the statistics shows that the psyche of people between the ages of 14 and 24 is particularly at risk. They use social media the most and are still at a crucial time for emotional and psychosocial development. In addition, a study by DAK-Gesundheit and the German Center for Addiction Issues shows that social media can be addictive and it is assumed that 2.6 percent of young people are already addicted. So social media platforms that are supposed to help people to network can actually fuel mental crises.

This reinforces the need to deal with the psychological consequences. Because it is such a new phenomenon, the exact impact it has on the mental health, emotional well-being and physiology of teenagers and young adults is not fully understood at this time, and much of the evidence is conflicting.

However, recent studies raise serious concerns about the possible adverse effects that increasing use of social media is having, particularly on mental health. It should also be mentioned that there are not only bad effects of social media on the psyche.

Mental health: positive and negative impact of social media

In addition to opportunities, the use of social media also brings with it various complex problems. A report published in 2017 by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) summarizes the influence of social media, especially on young people. It examines both positive and negative effects.

Positive effects on the psyche:
Access to health information: Social networking offers young people with, for example, mental health problems a chance to read and see the health experiences of others and take something with them to deal with. In addition, teenagers rarely deal with health problems and use fewer health services; this is especially true for mental illnesses. Social media offer the possibility of reaching this target group and receiving expert health information.
Community Building and Emotional Support: Conversations created on social media offer youth the opportunity to find like-minded people with whom they have no connection in real life. Seven out of ten teenagers say they have found social media support during tough times.
Self-discovery and strengthening of identity: In their teens and early twenties, young people experiment with their identity and want to try new things. By creating personalized feeds, they have the opportunity to express themselves and find out who they are.
Build and Maintain Relationships: Social media platforms are a useful tool to create and maintain real life and build interpersonal relationships.

Negative effects on the psyche:
Promotes Depression and Anxiety: Research shows that young adults who frequently use social media for more than two hours a day are more likely to be affected by poor mental health, including depression and anxiety disorders. Social media is not necessarily the trigger, but a reinforcing factor for fears and the feeling of being inadequate. The unrealistic expectations raised by social media can leave young people with low self-esteem, which can then manifest as anxiety or depression.
Sleep disorders: Numerous studies show a significant connection between poor sleep quality in young people and the use of social media. It is believed that using LED lights before bed can be disruptive. They block natural processes in the brain that trigger fatigue and the release of the sleep hormone melatonin. This means it takes longer to fall asleep.
Distorted Body Image: Body image is an issue for many people, both men and women, but especially young women. An online survey on “Instagram & Body Image” found that more than 50 percent of participants feel pressure about their appearance from Instagram.
Cyberbullying: Bullying in childhood is an important risk factor for mental health. The consequences are usually felt well into adulthood. Social media has meant that children and young people can be in constant contact with each other. This allows bullies to continue their abuse even when they are not around the person. In the annual JIM study, more than a third of young people state that they have someone in their circle of acquaintances who has already been bullied over the Internet.
Fear of missing out: The concept of fear of missing out (FOMO) is relatively new and has gained popularity since the advent of social media. Essentially, “FOMO” is the concern that social events take place without one’s presence and something is missed. It triggers a feeling of constantly needing to be connected and missing out when you’re not. “FOMO” leads to poorer mood and lower life satisfaction in those affected. Increasingly, young people report that it bothers them in the form of fear or feelings of inadequacy.

Tips for a healthier lifestyle

Social media is not a short-lived phenomenon that will pass. Rather, it has become an integral part of everyday life. A conscious use of apps such as Instagram, Facebook and Co. can reduce the dangerous psychological consequences. We have summarized some tips and ideas for a healthier lifestyle for you:
Set time limits: How much is good for you personally per day is very individual. However, it is recommended to keep social media usage under two hours. Excessive use has been shown to promote depression and anxiety. So think carefully about the times of day and how long you want to scroll through social media. In some apps you can set a reminder when the time limit of the day has been exceeded.
No scrolling before going to bed: Since the LED lights suppress tiredness, you should not take your phone to bed with you. Create new rituals that make it easier for you to fall asleep. For example, you can read a few more pages or meditate. Even in the morning, the day should not start directly with the smartphone. Give yourself some downtime before going through your social media feed.
Look for authentic role models: It is always important that you question which people you follow and whether these people are good for you and your self-esteem. Especially people who are insecure about their bodies are very prone to negative feelings and dissatisfaction when comparing themselves to perfectly flawless fitness or food influencers. There are more and more influencers who oppose this body cult. They show themselves without make-up and demand more naturalness and authenticity.

Prevent cyberbullying: Inhibitions often fall on the Internet, because the anonymity makes some people hit it hard. There are a few safeguards you can take against hate comments and cyberbullying. Set your social media profile to private so only people on your friends list can see your posts. You can also set that people are no longer allowed to follow you and that strangers cannot send you messages. Tip for parents: The “Look! What your child does with media” initiative provides families with extensive information on media education. There you will find information for you and your child.
All is not what it seems: When using it, be aware that what you are looking at does not correspond to the complete reality. Filters, Photoshop and perfectly posed scenes – everything is beautiful digitally. Internet users should believe that they lead a perfect life and always spend their free time on great beaches. But everyone has a bad day, is frustrated or has painful moments. These are just not shown. If you’re not feeling well anyway, take a social media break.

Conclusion

In general, it is important to be unavailable from time to time. Consciously create media-free times and pay attention to your real life. Maybe you do sports, take a walk in the sun or read a good book. Tip for parents: Realize that you are a role model for your child. You can also create these spaces and times together with your child in which you are both without a smartphone.

Vegans like to eat avocados. Because the healthy superfood is a delicious substitute for animal foods. Strictly speaking, the avocado is not vegan at all – at least that is what the British television broadcaster BBC claims.

“Which of these foods can you eat as a strict vegan?” presenter Sandi Toksvig asks her contestants on the latest episode of BBC quiz show “QI”. Almonds, avocados, kiwis, a pumpkin and a melon are shown on a screen. The surprising answer: “None.”

Although the food does not consist of animal products, animals are exploited for their cultivation, according to the moderator. Just like honey production, avocado cultivation uses bees in an unnatural way. “The fruits depend on the bees, which are transported long distances across the country by truck,” says Toksvig on the show.

Animals are exploited to grow avocados

The method is called “migratory beekeeping”, in which the bees swarm out to pollinate the fields, then put them back in boxes and transport them to the next cultivation area. The same applies to cucumbers, broccoli, cherries and lettuce.

In fact, when it comes to honey, animal rights activists argue just like the BBC show: According to the animal welfare organization Peta, bees for the honey industry are “victims of unnatural living conditions, genetic manipulation and stressful transport.”

The difference, however, is that honey is produced directly by the bees. When growing avocados (and growing many other fruits and vegetables), the bees are only responsible for pollinating the plants.

Pollination is actually a natural process. On large fields and plantations, however, there are not enough bees to fertilize an entire plantation. The bees are therefore placed artificially on the fields.

So are avocados, almonds & co. vegan?

Media such as Bild.de, bento or Focus online are picking up the story and warning vegans about the allegedly non-vegan types of fruit and vegetables. But what is the truth of the claim?

Ultimately, whether avocados and other fruits and vegetables are vegan depends on how you define veganism. The organization The Vegan Society, for example, contradicts the interpretation of the program “QI”. “Vegans avoid using animals as much as possible,” spokeswoman Dominika Piasecka told the online magazine Plant Based News.

It is clear that in agriculture animals are often harmed indirectly. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to avoid this at the moment, the spokeswoman said. “Vegans go a long way in reducing animal suffering. We welcome any changes in farming practices that support this.”

Avocados: Not only problematic for animals

Apart from that, the avocado is also a not unproblematic food for other reasons. In Germany, for example, the fruit is mainly imported from Peru, Chile, Mexico and South Africa. It covers a correspondingly long transport route in refrigerated containers, which causes emissions twice over and has a negative impact on the ecological balance of the fruit.

In Mexico in particular, environmental organizations also complain that forests are being cleared illegally to make way for avocado fields.

And avocados need enormous amounts of water: an avocado tree needs around 50 liters of water per day, which is already scarce in the rather hot, dry growing areas. Estimates assume that almost 1,000 liters of water are used for one kilo of avocados – that’s often only three pieces.

So whether the avocado is vegan or not is a matter of definition. The fact is: the fruit is not exactly sustainable. If you still don’t want to do without avocados, you should opt for organically grown fruit and also choose avocados from Spain or Israel, because the transport routes are shorter here.