[Media Literacy Needs Early Guidance and Company]

Controversies on the effects of media use have a long history and have become even more prevalent in the times of growing digitization. Particularly, potential harms and negative consequences have attracted scientific attention over the past decades. Various research projects have indeed demonstrated, that different negative repercussions can be caused by media use, especially regarding so called "new media" like internet-based computer games and social media. At least in individuals displaying an overuse of these media, research has demonstrated associations with developmental issues, heightened psychopathological symptoms, and problematic or addicted use. Yet, research also demonstrates that these associations are not linear ones but rather follow complex pathways. Thus, simply calling for a complete media abstinence it seems more promising developing pedagogic concepts for enabling children and adolescents using the possibilities of our digital world in a functional and self-determined way.