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AWMF guideline on the prevention of dysregulated screen use in childhood and adolescence

Project overview

The first AWMF guideline on the "Prevention of dysregulated screen media use in childhood and adolescence" was published in 2023 as a joint recommendation by ten German professional associations from the fields of medicine and psychology and the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA). Witten/Herdecke University, under the leadership of Dr Silke Schwarz and Prof David Martin from the Chair of Medical Theory, Integrative and Anthroposophic Medicine, coordinated the development of the guidelines.

The guideline contains both general and age-specific recommendations on screen media use. In addition, there are recommendations for educators, parents and siblings and procedures for cases of excessive screen media use.

Original publication at the AWMF

Adapted version for reading on screen

Logo for the AWMF guideline

Main risks of media use in childhood

The following main risks of media use in childhood are analysed in the guideline:

  • Obesity
  • sleep disorders
  • eye disorders
  • Developmental disorders in motor skills and speech
  • Attachment disorders
  • Behavioural disorders
  • Internet addiction
  • Bullying and sexual harassment
  • Gambling
  • Radiation


It also looks at the risks of screen media during pregnancy and the benefits of screen media for children with special needs.

Co-operation partner

The following scientific associations and institutions were involved in the preparation of the guideline:

Project management