Current Research, 320
August 6, 2026
Electronic media are increasingly shaping the development of children and young people, while simultaneously changing the demands placed on education and upbringing. Currently, more than three out of four German citizens (78%) assume that media influence will be greater than that of school and home in the future. This is the finding of a recent study by the non-profit BAT Foundation for Future Issues, for which 2,000 German citizens aged 18 and over were surveyed in a representative sample.
Time comparison: From secondary medium to lifelong companion
A comparison over time reveals a clear shift in perception. In 1997, only slightly more than a quarter of the population (281,000) shared the view that the media were more influential than school and home. Even 20 years later (2008), the figure was still "only" a good third (361,000). Currently, however, it is more than double that, at 78 percent.
For the scientific director of the foundation, Professor Dr. Ulrich Reinhardt, this development is closely related to media use in everyday life.
„"The internet has become a constant companion for almost all young citizens. Whether as a source of information, for entertainment, or as a social bridge – they are online everywhere and at any time, while personal contacts in their immediate surroundings tend to decrease. Due to this constant presence in the digital space, platforms, algorithms, and artificial intelligence (AI) inevitably take over part of the transmission of values and social orientation.".
New tasks for teachers and parents
This shifts the responsibilities of schools and parents. Critical thinking, source evaluation, judgment, and empathy become increasingly important. Furthermore, working with artificial intelligence demands additional skills, such as the ability to interpret results, recognize bias, and reflect on ethical questions.
Reinhardt also sees challenges in this: „"Children and young people often have greater technical confidence in using digital technologies than their parents and teachers. At the same time, they see adults who are constantly looking at screens themselves and who naturally integrate digital media into their everyday lives.".
For him, media literacy cannot be taught solely through rules and lessons, but begins with one's own behavior.
„Anyone who wants to teach young people how to use technology responsibly must critically examine their own use and lead by example. Only then will they understand that technologies are tools and not infallible authorities., so said the head of the foundation.
Outlook: Using technology, experiencing reality
Digital development will continue to shape the everyday lives of the younger generation. This makes an educational approach that combines technical skills with critical thinking, responsibility, and social experience all the more important. Schools and families are challenged to neither overestimate nor ignore digital media. Alongside a critical approach to technology, reliable spaces for friendships, physical activity, community, and experiencing nature are essential. Clubs, sports, cultural activities, and leisure programs provide important opportunities for these experiences. Digital literacy, therefore, does not develop solely in front of a screen, but rather through the interplay of technical competence, personal interaction, and individual responsibility.
