Introduction: There are many opinions about the use of digital screen media (dsm) in childhood, however, all experts agree on one thing: children spend on average too much time in front of screens. So far, there are few interventions to restrict the quantity and increase the quality of screen-time. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts a media fasting intervention would have on screen use and overall wellbeing.

Method: A pilot study with an open, prospective, multi-centered design of a pseudonymized survey with pre and post assessment of a 44-day media fasting intervention. Participating families were approached at family practices, at schools, at one pediatric hospital and by including individuals. Here we report on the intentions of parents and their children at the start of the interven- tion.

Results: 365 parents (50% <40 years; 51% high school education) and 280 schoolchildren (aged 10.5 ± 3.1 years; 56% boys). Parents had 0.3 ± 0.9 media-free days/week. Children had 0.8 ± 1.5 media-free days/week. Parents found that using less dsm would be good for themselves (77%) and for their children (81%), felt annoyed/stressed by permanent availability of dsm (58%). They hoped that by using less dsm they would have for more time for their children (63%) and become more attentive and calmer as a family (79%). 58% hoped that media fasting would improve their child’s ability to concentrate. Some children accused their parents of using too much dsm (49%), felt that they themselves used to much dsm (39%), felt annoyed and stressed by the per- manent availability of dsm (only 16%), and hoped for improved concentration (55%) and more attentiveness and calmness as a whole family (72%) by reducing dsm.

Conclusion: Parents and children, show a self-critical attitude towards media, even though children assign them a less negative status. All groups hope reduction of dsm will improve quantity and quality of family time.