• Media are Fascinating

    In addition to the media content, media inspire children in this age group with different characteristics. Depending on the type of media, children are fascinated by various factors.

    Auditive media such as MP3 or CDs and visual media such as photos or books are usually freely available to children between three and six years of age. The children can usually select and use these themselves. The possibility to decide for themselves explains part of the fascination the media exert on them.

    On the one hand, purely auditory and visual media addresses only one sensory channel, which is why the density of information is reduced. On the other hand, this helps to improve the concentration and attention of younger children. In addition, auditory and visual media allow children to retreat inward, as audio stories and picture books are usually enjoyed in a familiar and relaxed atmosphere, e.g. when going to bed.


    The decision about which media offers are suitable should always be made by adults. Children between the ages of three and six are not yet able to independently select media content appropriate for their age. However, I recommend that you let the children choose and evaluate suitable media content from a pre-selection. In this way, the children learn to be able to consciously say which content they do not like and which they like. This strengthens the children with regard to independent media evaluation and selection.


    The combination of sound and image, the fast sequences of images and the handling of audiovisual media inspire children. Parents also act as role models in their fascination with audiovisual media.

    Children are attracted to interactive media such as apps on mobile devices and PC games because they can have a say and intervene directly. They are thrilled when they can influence elements and characters themselves and directly experience the results of their actions. In addition, the simple and intuitive handling of touch screens is particularly appealing to children because they can operate such devices themselves very quickly. This opens up new play areas for them and ensures recognition from adults and enthusiasm. The enthusiasm of children is also influenced by external factors - as is the case with audiovisual media. Depending on how often adults use their tablets and smartphones or how strictly media use is regulated, children's enthusiasm for these media increases or decreases.

    The enthusiasm of children is also influenced by external factors. Depending on how often adults use their tablets and smartphones or how strictly media use is regulated, children's enthusiasm for these media increases or decreases.


    Encourage even very young children to develop their own opinions about media and their content. To help towards this direction you can have conversations with the children, in which, for example, concrete media experiences, contents or characters are discussed, which the children like or dislike. Give the children the opportunity to express themselves and reflect on their preferences and interests in certain media content, media types, characters and usage situations. Such conversations are all the more beneficial for the children if you succeed in consciously engaging with the children's point of view and taking their preferences, interests and considerations seriously.