Media literacy Dangerous curiosity: how harmful online content can be for children
Curiosity is important for the development of young people. But it can also be dangerous - especially on the internet. Parental support is needed for the wrong clicks.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- Adolescents need the support of adults on the Internet.
- Harmful content such as depictions of violence, pornography and false role models have long-term effects on young people.
- The effects include anxiety, stress, isolation and the disruption of their own body image.
Many people know it from their own childhood: while their parents are watching a thriller in the evening, you just don't want to go to sleep.
So, nothing like snuggling up on the sofa to catch a few glimpses of the screen under mom's watchful eye - and regretting it later.
Because thrillers are not for children.
Media content that is not age-appropriate can emotionally overwhelm adolescents. This could be images of war in the media, tests of courage on TikTok or pornographic images on the internet.
Depictions of violence and pornography are particularly harmful. But false role models or addiction mechanisms also trigger stress in young people.
Violence and distorted values
Children are not only overwhelmed by violence, but also adopt it as a conflict resolution strategy if they come into contact with violent content too early or on a regular basis. Violent videos can therefore tempt children to act recklessly or even self-harm.
The ideals of beauty that are spread online, especially by influencers, also have an impact on adolescents: unrealistic ideals of beauty can make children feel less attractive or valuable.
If children and young people consume content that is addictive, it can also lead to them isolating themselves socially.
On Swisscom Campus, parents can find online parents' evenings and valuable tips on how to accompany their children online, recognize dangers and strengthen their children's media skills.
The right guidance
Sooner or later, everyone comes into contact with content that is not appropriate for their age: via advertising banners, on social media platforms, in chats or games. Children react differently depending on the situation.
If adolescents are left alone on the internet and come into contact with inappropriate content too often, this can affect their development and put them under emotional strain.
It is important that parents remain vigilant and regularly talk to their children about unsuitable content or make use of content filters.
Teaching media skills: 5 tips for parents
- Use digital media together.
- In case of wrong clicks: Discuss strategies for action.
- Establish clear rules on media use, for example through a media usage contract.
- Set up content filters to regulate content.
- Educate the child in an age-appropriate manner so that they quickly recognize sexualized content and protect themselves from it.
This article was created in cooperation with Swisscom
Swisscom is committed to ecological, social and economic sustainability: climate protection, a sustainable lifestyle and responsible use of digital media. Switzerland's leading ICT company has already received several awards for its long-standing commitment to sustainability and, according to "TIME Magazine", is one of the 500 most sustainable companies in the world in 2024. Swisscom Campus offers valuable knowledge and tips on digital media and their use in everyday life.
