Germany sees rise in social‑media addiction among eight‑year‑olds

A growing number of German children are developing media‑use disorders, with specialists reporting that the youngest patients in dedicated addiction clinics are eight‑year‑old pupils. According to Dr Kerstin Paschke of the German Centre for Addiction Issues in Children and Adolescents, about one‑quarter of children aged eight to nine exhibit risky media‑use patterns, and roughly one‑third already show symptoms of problematic consumption.

Doctors advise parents to apply the “Five‑Finger Rule” – checking whether a child gets enough sleep, maintains friendships, pursues hobbies, eats regularly and stays in touch with family – to spot early signs of dependence. Severe cases have led to extreme isolation, academic decline, physical neglect and, in rare instances, loss of mobility after years spent in immersive digital environments. The issue spans all social strata and is prompting calls for greater awareness and preventive measures across schools and families.