Introduction
While Part 2 focused on the perspective of early childhood professionals, this section emphasizes the shared use of digital tools with children – both in daycare and at home. How much screen time is appropriate? Which content is suitable? And what alternatives are meaningful and developmentally supportive?
1. Age-Appropriate Use
0–2 years: Digital media should be used very sparingly at this age – if at all. Watching very short video clips or looking at photos can be enjoyable, but should always be done interactively and together with a caregiver. The focus must be on real-life experiences and relationship building – both in daycare and within the family.
2–3 years: Simple apps or digital picture books can be introduced under supervision, but with strictly limited time durations (e.g., 5–10 minutes). It is important that the child remains actively engaged and that the adult accompanies the use – by commenting, asking questions, and reflecting together. These guidelines also apply to media use at home.
2. Meaningful Digital Activities
Photo and video functions: Instead of passively consuming content, children can be actively involved in the digital process. For example: “Let’s take a photo of our craft project and look at it together!” This promotes language development, reflection, and pride in their own accomplishments – both in daycare and at home.
Language and music functions: Interactive song apps can support joint singing. However, they should never replace real musical interaction. Singing together, hand movements, and eye contact remain central – both in educational settings and at home.
Interactive stories: Some apps provide digital picture books that children can explore at their own pace by touching, listening, and discovering. With adult guidance, this can stimulate curiosity and improve language comprehension.
3. Real-Life Alternatives
Sensory and movement experiences: Everything that stimulates the senses and encourages physical activity should take precedence. Toddlers learn best through real-world experiences – touching, climbing, smelling, splashing, and tasting. Activities such as building with blocks, exploring water, or playing with natural materials offer rich and lasting learning opportunities – both at home and in daycare.
Reading aloud instead of screens: A physical picture book offers tactile and emotional experiences that children can explore at their own pace. Shared reading times strengthen bonding, support language development, and spark imagination – in family life as well as in early education.
Creative and imaginative play: Open-ended activities such as role-playing, building, painting, and storytelling lay the foundation for problem-solving skills, emotional expression, and social interaction – wherever children feel safe and stimulated.
4. Screen Time Rules & Developing Media Literacy
Clear limits: Fixed rules and rituals help children understand boundaries. For example: “One short video – then it’s over” or using a timer as a visual cue. These rituals can be effective both in educational settings and at home.
Adults as role models: Children imitate what they observe. If educators and parents are constantly on their phones, children learn that this is normal behavior. Intentional phone breaks and mindful media use show that screens do not have to dominate everyday life – whether at home or in daycare.
Reflecting together: Talking with children about what they saw or experienced fosters understanding and supports the development of basic media literacy. Even simple comments like “That was a funny dog, wasn’t it?” or “Can you find the red car again?” turn passive watching into active dialogue – both in daycare and in the living room.
Conclusion
Digital media can be used in toddler care – but only in a guided and intentional way. Real sensory and movement experiences should always come first. When digital content is used, it should be done consciously, in moderation, and with active adult involvement – both in daycare and at home. This allows for the early development of age-appropriate media literacy. The goal is to foster mindfulness, curiosity, and connection – not distraction.
