Many children gain access to cell phones as early as seven years old
In the digital age, children in Germany are being introduced to technology at an early age. From the age of four, they are first exposed to media through television, and by the age of seven, most are using PCs or laptops. However, a new study suggests that many parents in Germany may be giving their children smartphones too early, potentially impacting their mental health and emotional development.
According to the Bitkom study, published in Berlin, most seven-year-old children in Germany already use a smartphone. By the age of nine, many own their own smartphones, and by eleven, most own a smartwatch. Yet, experts generally recommend not giving children smartphones before the age of 13.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and social psychologists suggest restricting smartphone and social media use in children younger than 13. They emphasize the importance of teaching digital literacy and responsible use. Many researchers propose a precautionary approach similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco, advocating that smartphones should be introduced no earlier than adolescence, ideally around high school.
Practical advice from pediatricians includes parents actively demonstrating responsible smartphone use and connecting authentically with their children, reinforcing that real-world relationships and attention are paramount. For younger children, alternative tools like GPS trackers or basic phones can offer connectivity without full smartphone exposure.
The consensus is to defer full smartphone ownership until around age 13 or later to shield children from algorithm-driven harmful online content and promote healthy development. Early smartphone ownership (under age 13) is linked to poorer mental health outcomes, increased exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and challenges in emotional and social development.
However, some sources note that some children around 9 to 12 years old might be ready for a phone depending on maturity, family needs, and safety considerations—especially basic phones or devices with limited functionality to stay in touch and provide security without full smartphone risks.
Experts recommend waiting until at least age 13 for smartphones, coupled with active parental guidance and digital education to help children understand internet risks and protect themselves effectively. By the age of 16, most restrictions are lifted, with none of the surveyed parents forbidding 16-18 year olds from using social media.
As the use of technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for parents to be mindful of the potential risks and take a proactive approach in guiding their children's digital experiences. By promoting digital literacy, setting appropriate boundaries, and fostering open communication, parents can help their children navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
[1] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Media and Children's Health. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/MediaAndChildren.aspx
[2] Rosen, D. L. (2014). Enough Already: Time for a Serious Talk About Childhood and Technology. St. Martin's Press.
[3] Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. J. (2008). Parental Mediation of Children's Internet Use: A Review of the Empirical Literature. New Media & Society, 10(3), 379-403.
[4] Common Sense Media. (2018). Kids, Social Media & Tech: What Parents Need to Know. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/kids-social-media-and-tech-what-parents-need-to-know
[5] Kross, E., Verduyn, P., Demiralp, E., Park, J., Lee, M., Lee, S., & Lee, C. (2013). Social media use predicts declines in subjective well-being in young adults. PloS One, 8(7), e65841.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends restricting smartphone and social media use in children younger than 13, emphasizing the importance of teaching digital literacy and responsible use.
- By promoting digital literacy, setting appropriate boundaries, and fostering open communication, parents can help their children navigate the online world safely and responsibly, according to experts.
- For younger children, alternative tools like GPS trackers or basic phones can offer connectivity without full smartphone exposure, offering a viable option to smartphones for some families.
