For the Media Ukkie Days 2024, the theme is "Relaxing with media." The new study focuses on the mental health of children, examining the role of media use and other activities in relation to relaxation for children and their parents. This in-depth research asked parents about how much time their children spend on (digital) activities, who they engage in these activities with, and at what times. Parents were also asked about ways they use digital media to help their child relax. This builds upon insights from previous editions of the Iene Miene Media survey.

The in-depth Iene Miene Media study on "Relaxing with media" is conducted by Netwerk Mediawijsheid in collaboration with Windesheim University of Applied Sciences and the Trimbos Institute, with advice from the Netherlands Youth Institute. The research was carried out by research agency Panel Inzicht. The results of the online quantitative survey are based on responses from 900 parents of children aged 9 months to 6 years. The interpretation of the research was written by Professor Dr. Peter Nikken of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences and Dr. Anouk Tuijnman of the Trimbos Institute. Fieldwork took place between February 8 and February 28, 2024.

This year’s in-depth study revealed that:

• Children aged 0 to 6 spend an average of 1 hour and 51 minutes per day on digital media. This is more than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends.
• Children still spend more time on offline activities than on digital media overall. However, children aged 4 to 6 years spend less time playing actively indoors compared to younger age groups.
• Most young children use digital media alone or with peers, rather than with a parent. Yet, using media together and discussing the content and the children’s responses leads to the most positive effects.
• Many parents use digital media to help their children relax or to give themselves a moment of respite. Parents also turn to digital media during challenging moments: for example, when children are bored, when parents need hands-free time for chores or work, or when children are tired or irritable.