Majority of Children are Granted Access to Mobile Phones by the Age of Seven
In Germany, children are increasingly embracing digital media at a young age. According to a recent Bitkom study, the majority of children receive their first smartphone around the age of 9, with many starting to use smartphones as early as 7[1][3].
The study also reveals that most children's initial encounter with media is through television at the age of 4. By the age of 7, most children are using smartphones, though they often start using other devices like PCs or tablets earlier[3].
When it comes to social media, parents tend to introduce their children gradually, with restrictions falling away by the age of 16. At 6 to 9 years old, 77% of parents forbid their children from having their own social media accounts, while a small minority allow shared or anonymous use, but never with the child’s real name or photo[3].
Between 10 and 12 years old, many parents allow shared social media accounts, and 37% permit children to create their own profiles[3]. From age 13, 80% of parents allow their children to have their own identifiable social media profiles, with only 3% still prohibiting access[3]. By age 16, most social media restrictions are lifted entirely, with 83% of teenagers having their own identifiable profile with parental consent[3].
Experts recommend allowing a child to have a smartphone only when they understand the dangers of the internet and can protect themselves, which is typically around 12 to 13 years of age[1][3]. The survey also highlights the role of parents in educating and guiding children’s digital media usage with family rules and active supervision[1].
However, the Bitkom study suggests that many parents give their children smartphones too early, potentially exposing them to online risks before they are developmentally ready to handle them. The study underscores the importance of parents being aware of their children's digital media usage and setting appropriate guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being.
[1] Bitkom (2021). Digitalisierung der Kinder- und Jugendmedienschaffung. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/presse/pressemitteilungen/digitalisierung-der-kinder-und-jugendmedienschaffung-124302 [2] Bitkom (2020). Bitkom-Studie: Kinder nutzen Smartphone immer früher. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/presse/pressemitteilungen/bitkom-studie-kinder-nutzen-smartphone-immer-fuehrer-117795 [3] Bitkom (2021). Kinder und Jugendliche im digitalen Zeitalter. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/themen/digital-wirtschaft/kinder-und-jugendliche-im-digitalen-zeitalter-130603
The Bitkom study indicates that children in Germany are receiving their first smartphones at age 9, while many start using smartphones as early as 7. By the age of 7, most children are already using other digital devices like PCs or tablets [3]. As children grow older, they begin to incorporate various forms of technology into their lifestyle, such as home-and-garden gadgets and smartphones, due to the increasing prevalence of digital media at a young age. The study emphasizes the importance of parents being mindful of their children's digital media usage and setting appropriate guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being, as giving children smartphones too early may expose them to online risks before they are developmentally ready to handle them.
