A young woman gives feedback to another
Leadership & HR
30.01.2026 Isabel Hempel 66981

5-finger feedback: tips for good feedback

By Darina Doubravova (Head of pme Academy) and Isabel Hempel (Editor)


Group feedback at the end of a seminar or team meeting is beneficial for everyone. We present effective methods for giving constructive feedback. For example, 5-finger feedback is a practical and easy-to-understand method for constructive feedback in teams and seminars. With the help of the five fingers, differentiated feedback on positive aspects, notable points, points of criticism, learnings, and missing points can be obtained quickly and easily. The method ensures clarity, appreciation, and improvements in everyday work. Get tips and variations on how to use it and possible alternatives here.

Giving feedback made easy:

1. Five-finger method - Each finger represents a statement

One method of giving quick and constructive feedback is the five-finger model. Each finger stands for a question that you answer in one or two sentences. Start with the tops!


 

Thumbs: I thought that was great! For example: "I particularly liked the fact that the discussions were open and constructive. The atmosphere was pleasant and everyone expressed themselves freely."

Pointing finger: I noticed that! For example. "I noticed that some topics were addressed several times. There were often similarities in the participants' observations."

Middle finger: I didn't like that! For example: "Some discussions dragged on, which made it difficult to focus on the key points. I would have liked a clearer structure here."

Ring finger: I'll take that with me! For example: "I have received valuable suggestions and new perspectives that I can incorporate into future projects."

Little finger: I didn't get enough of that! For example: "Unfortunately, there was little time for in-depth discussion of possible solutions. I would have liked some ideas to have been dealt with in more depth."

If time is short or the feedback should be more concise, only three fingers can be used, for example the thumb (positives), the ring finger (insights), the little finger (I missed that).

2. one-minute paper

Another method is the "one-minute paper" according to Werner Stangl. At the end of a team meeting, everyone receives a blank sheet of paper.

First, everyone writes all the positive feedback and thoughts on one side:

  • What have I understood?
  • What did I like?
  • What inspired/motivated me?
  • Where have I been able to work?

Any unclear or critical thoughts are written down on the back:

  • What have I not quite understood?
  • What touched me little?
  • What didn't I like?
  • What have I not been able to participate in?

An evaluation can take place immediately or at the beginning of the next meeting. The evaluation is carried out either by the manager or by a team member or participant.

Afterwards, the group's results are presented, the feedback is interpreted, and suggestions for possible changes and consequences are developed : What could be done differently next time?

3. especially for managers: How can I give feedback in difficult situations?

When it comes to addressing something that makes teamwork difficult, it is important to give feedback. But that is not so easy.

The tone must be right, and the words should be chosen wisely.

Executive coach Nina Lizon explains in this video how you, as a manager, can give constructive feedback.

 

Have fun testing these methods!

Are you familiar with our e-learning course on feedback?

It is not always easy to find the right words for constructive feedback. In our e-learning course on feedback, you can reflect on your own habits and receive helpful suggestions.

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FAQs about 5-finger feedback

What is the 5-finger feedback?

The 5-finger feedback is a structured model for quick feedback. Each finger represents a specific aspect of feedback: positive, noteworthy, criticism, insights, and missing.

How does the 5-finger feedback work in practice?

Each team member makes a brief statement about each of the five fingers. First, the positive aspects (thumb) are highlighted, followed by the other points in the order of the fingers.

When is this method particularly suitable?

The model is ideal for use at the end of meetings, workshops, seminars, or feedback sessions—especially when feedback needs to be gathered quickly and constructively.

How can I use the 5-finger feedback digitally?

The method also works via video conference, in chats, or with online whiteboards. Each participant can submit their answers in writing, and the results are discussed together.

What to do if the feedback is critical?

It is important to establish an appreciative framework and to treat criticism in a solution-oriented manner. Managers should address specific points of criticism and work with the team to formulate solutions.

zero Media and children: tips against excessive consumption

Media and children: tips against excessive consumption
Parent & Child
12.12.2025 Josephin Hartmann 72374

Media and children: tips against excessive consumption

"Just one more episode. Please!" Parents should show their children how to use digital media competently. This does not mean imposing strict bans every day, but setting clear rules and having open conversations with the children. But what is the best approach for me as a parent?

 

In summary: Finding balance is important.

Digital media are naturally part of children's everyday lives – but how much is too much? Many parents are plagued by uncertainty, and everyday life is not always compatible with media rules. Pia Schulze Zumkley advises Familienservice on media consumption at pme Familienservice . She emphasizes:

"The biggest challenge is finding the right balance—not too strict, but also not too lax. Media is simply part of life today. The most important thing is that parents should accompany their children when they use digital media!"

In this article you can read:

 

Digital media accompanies children and young people today from day one. According to the miniKIM study 2023, even two- to five-year-olds are growing up in households where the internet (98 percent) and smartphones (95 percent) are available almost everywhere. Around one-fifth regularly use a tablet, and one in ten toddlers even has access to their own smartphone.

The KIM study shows that 70 percent of six- to thirteen-year-olds already use the internet at least occasionally; this proportion grows rapidly with age: among ten- to eleven-year-olds, the figure is already 85 percent, and among twelve- to thirteen-year-olds, it is practically all (99 percent). Having one's own internet access is also becoming increasingly commonplace.

Almost all young people between the ages of twelve and nineteen (JIM Study 2024) own a smartphone, spend an average of more than three hours online every day, and use WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok in particular. Music and video streaming as well as AI applications are now as much a part of everyday life as dealing with fake news and digital risks.

"The biggest challenge for parents is finding the right balance when it comes to digital media. It's not helpful to strictly forbid its use or allow it without any supervision. It is much more important to recognize that media are part of our everyday lives and to give children the space to experience media—but always with vigilant parental supervision and open communication about what happens online and offline."
Pia Schulze Zumkley, Parenting Consultant at pme Familienservice

1. how much media time is healthy for my child?

There are recommendations on how long and how often children and adolescents should use screen media per day, depending on their age group:

  • Young children aged 0 to 3 should not have any set times for watching TV, using smartphones, tablets, or computers.
  • In the age group from 3 to 6 years , a shared usage time of 30 minutes is planned .
  • In the age group from 6 to 10 years, a maximum of 45 to 60 minutes.
  • For 10- to 13-year-olds, screen time should also be limited to around 60 minutes , although there is some room for negotiation in this age group.
  • Between the ages of 13 and 17, it is still advisable to agree on usage times in order to protect young people from excessive use.

Nevertheless, it is difficult to set guidelines as family and personal situations vary greatly. Young people should be regularly monitored for their well-being and whether they have enough time for school, training, hobbies and friends. 

"I find blanket bans on social media, for example, really difficult, because I see media education as comparable to road safety education. Of course, I could say: Instagram is only for those aged 16 and over, just as you have to be 18 to get a driver's license. But how do I introduce my child to it? When riding in the car, children learn what traffic signs mean and what right of way is. That's exactly what I want for media.
That's why I'm not a fan of bans, but rather of supervised media use. In families that practice this, children really know how to use media sensibly and safely."
Pia Schulze Zumkley, parent counselor at pme Familienservice

 

2. tips for relaxed cell phone use by your child

Carline Krügl, systemic consultant and coach, gives tips in the video on how you can relax and ensure your child uses their cell phone sensibly.

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3. corona pandemic has doubled media addiction among children and young people

As a distraction against stress, cabin fever and loneliness, digital media offered young people a variety of uses during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the associated restrictions have led to increased media consumption. This is confirmed by the results of a study conducted by the statutory health insurance provider DAK in 2022.

According to the study, media addiction among children and young people has increased since 2019:

  • Around 2.2 million children and young people exhibit problematic usage behavior in relation to gaming, social media or streaming. This means that they are at risk of media addiction or are already addicted.
  • Around six percent of minors are addicted to computer games and social media. That's around 600,000 boys and girls across Germany, with boys being affected more frequently.
  • The number of children and young people addicted to computer games rose from 2.7 percent in 2019 to 6.3 percent in June 2022. In the case of social media, media addiction doubled from 3.2 to 6.7 percent.

Recent studies (including the DAK Addiction Study 2024/2025 and the KIM Study 2024) clearly show that millions of children and adolescents in Germany continue to use media in risky ways. 

Despite initial positive developments, the results of the latest DAK study show that more than a quarter of 10- to 17-year-olds use social media in a risky or even pathological way – a total of around 1.3 million young people. At six percent, boys are almost twice as likely to be affected as girls (3.2 percent). Although addiction problems related to gaming and social media declined slightly last year, they remain above the level seen before the coronavirus pandemic in 2019.

What is media addiction?

People are considered media addicts if they use consumer media excessively and over a longer period of time. They lose control over healthy usage behavior, withdraw from other areas of life and neglect real social contacts and everyday life.

Despite the negative consequences of their excessive consumption, those affected continue their behavior.

Source: Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection 

 

4 How much media does a child need?

Determining the right level of media use can vary from child to child of the same age.

Every child is influenced to different degrees by media content. Parents should keep a close eye on their child before setting fixed guidelines. How does my child feel after media time? Does it seem apathetic, over-excited or aggressive after watching TV or playing computer games?

"If everyday tasks are neglected, if screen time is more important than friends, hobbies, or clubs, for example, then as a mother or father, I should consider that my child's media use may be excessive and that they may need help."
Pia Schulze Zumkley, Parenting Consultant at pme Familienservice

 

5. five signs of unhealthy use of digital media

1. too much, too long, too intense

First playing on the PC, then watching your favorite series and in between checking social media channels or answering messages on the smartphone: the use of digital media in everyday life is diverse. Parents should therefore keep an eye on their children's frequency and duration of use.

2. reduced performance

Children who use media very intensively can sometimes appear tired, listless or absent-minded. In the long term, this condition can have negative consequences for school.

3. impairment of family life and friendships

Another sign of unhealthy media use is when family time together suffers or appointments in the real world are neglected. If a child loses interest in joint activities, quickly wants to return to the virtual world or hardly ever meets up with friends, this can lead to social isolation.

4. neglect of other hobbies

It is completely normal for children to change their hobbies and shift their interests. However, if the hobby is neglected due to increased media use, parents should take a closer look.

5. psychological abnormalities

Media consumption becomes unhealthy when children quickly become nervous as soon as they cannot or are not allowed to use their smartphone, tablet or PC. Some children then quickly become irritable or aggressive.

6. Media usage time: 6 tips for parents for healthy use

"Children need to learn how to use media properly right from the start. And that starts with us as parents: How do I use media? Am I setting a good example, for example in terms of media time? If I'm on my iPad while telling my children to turn off their game consoles, it's hard for them to understand."
​​​​​​​Pia Schulze Zumkley, parent advisor at pme Familienservice

1. agree on the time of the week instead of the time of day

For older children from the age of ten, it is advisable to give them more responsibility for organizing their media time. Parents can agree a weekly time quota for this. If the agreed time is already used up after two days, the screens stay off for the rest of the week. This allows children to gain their own experience of time management by having to allocate resources with foresight.

2. set screen times and ensure compliance

Introducing fixed times and sticking to them creates orientation and reliability for children and young people. For younger children in particular, it is a good idea to set an alarm clock that rings as soon as the agreed time has elapsed. This gives them a sense of the time that has already passed.

It can also be discussed with the child at what times it is better to consume media. For older children, time limits can be set in the operating system so that the device or program switches off automatically. However, it is better if children learn to stick to the agreements.

3. do not include screen time for school

Schoolchildren sometimes need digital media for learning or for homework. Parents should not include this time in the agreed screen time. This is because the media serves a different purpose here. Free screen time is for discovery, sharing, fun and entertainment.

4. define media-free times and places

Digital media is part of our everyday lives. This is precisely why it can be beneficial for families to specifically create media-free times and places. A particularly popular rule is for all family members to put their smartphones away at the dinner table. Other options include, for example, not playing computer games for two hours before bedtime or only watching your favorite series after doing your homework.

5. promote analog activities

It is important to show children what leisure activities are available outside the virtual world. When boredom sets in, there's no need to switch on the TV straight away. Playing freely in nature, swimming, hiking or discovering animals is also fun, enjoyable and entertaining.

6. be a role model

Finally, parents should also pay attention to their own media usage behavior. How often do I use my smartphone? Is the TV on continuously in the background? Do I surf the internet non-stop or scroll up and down through social media channels?

7. further information on media usage times

Kindergesundheit-info.de

Klicksafe.de

FAQ: Media consumption among children

How much screen time is healthy for children?

Experts recommend a maximum of 30 minutes per day for children up to 6 years of age and up to 60 minutes for elementary school children. For adolescents, media time should be discussed with them and reviewed regularly.

Should parents completely ban social media or smartphones?

Strict prohibitions are rarely effective in the long term. It helps to actively accompany children, develop rules together, and explain the dangers.

How can I recognize problematic media use?

Pay attention to whether your child is neglecting friends, hobbies, or important tasks because of digital media. If previous interests are being pushed aside, this is a warning sign.

How can my child learn to stick to media time limits on their own?

Develop firm rules and routines together and remain consistent. Time limits and media-free spaces in everyday family life help with this.

What should I do if I am unsure as a parent?

Seek advice from counseling centers, talk to other parents, and find information on suitable advice websites such as schau-hin.info or medien-kindersicher.de.