What the media guideline recommends
The guideline of the German Society of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) recommends not using screen media as a reward, punishment or to calm children down. The idea behind it: whatever is constantly handed out as a prize or taken away becomes especially desirable to children.
We take this recommendation seriously. Many families still use bonus time, for example as part of a weekly plan. If you do, how you design it matters.
Opportunities and risks
| Possible opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Clear, tangible motivation for individual tasks | Screens become the most valuable thing of all |
| Children experience that effort pays off | Tasks are only done for the minutes |
| Fewer discussions about spontaneous exceptions | The agreed base time starts to waver |
If you use a time bonus: how to keep it fair
Fixed base time
Normal screen time doesn't depend on tasks and isn't taken away as a punishment.
Small bonuses
Ten to twenty minutes is enough. Large bonuses quickly shift the balance.
Specific tasks
“Read for 30 minutes” or “help with cooking” instead of “be good”.
No required chores
Homework and brushing teeth are not bonus tasks.
Upper limit
Even with a bonus, Bedtime and the age-appropriate daily maximum still apply.
Other rewards first
Time together, an outing or a favorite meal are often worth more than minutes.
Sample tasks
- Read for 30 minutes
- Help with cooking
- Clean the bike
- Practice an instrument
- Play outside or do sports
- Finish a media literacy topic and talk about it
Rewards in Kydly
In Kydly, you can agree on tasks with a time bonus, but you don't have to. Your child completes the task and sends a photo as proof, and you consciously approve the minutes. The photo only reaches you because your child sends it themselves. Rewards are part of Premium.
Frequently asked questions
Does screen time as a reward make sense from a parenting perspective?
The German media guideline advises against using screens as a reward, punishment or to calm children down. If you still use a bonus, keep it small and don't make the base time depend on it.
How many bonus minutes are appropriate?
If at all, small bonuses of ten to twenty minutes per task. The age-appropriate daily maximum should still apply.
Do I have to use the rewards feature in Kydly?
No. Rewards are an option. Kydly also works without a time bonus, and you always approve bonus minutes yourself.
Get to know Kydly
Try Kydly first with sample data in the demo, or download the app. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Sources and further information
This guide is published by the provider of the Kydly app. It does not replace individual legal, medical or educational advice. Information about Kydly describes the app as of the date stated; the Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use and the terms Apple displays before purchase are binding. Legal documents (privacy policy, terms of use, legal notice) are available in German and English.