Majority of Kids Are Given Mobile Devices by Age Seven, on Average
In a recent study conducted by Bitkom, a representative survey of 1,004 parents of children aged 6 to 18 in Germany, some interesting findings about children's digital usage have emerged.
The study reveals that German children first encounter TV for media use at the age of four. By seven, most children use a PC or laptop, at eight a tablet, and at nine a gaming console. However, experts suggest that children reach a level of maturity to handle a smartphone around the ages of 12 to 13.
When it comes to social media, parents in Germany mainly allow shared use of social media accounts for children aged 10 to 12. At the age of 13, most parents allow their children to use social media with their own profiles. By the age of 16, none of the surveyed parents prohibit their children from using social media. Interestingly, only 3% of parents prohibit the use of social media for 13 to 18-year-olds.
The study also shows that by the age of 10, most parents allow shared use of social media accounts for their children. At the age of 12, 37% of parents allow their children to set up their own social media profiles. However, no parents in the survey allow a recognizable social media account with a name or photo for children aged 6 to 9.
Children in Germany typically start using a smartwatch at the age of eleven. By the age of nine, many German children own their own smartphone. However, experts recommend allowing a child to have a smartphone only when they understand the risks of the internet and can protect themselves.
The Bitkom study also found that many parents in Germany give their children smartphones too early. This raises concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children's health, social skills, and overall well-being.
The study highlights the importance of establishing screen-free zones, consistent bedtime curfews for device use, and active parental involvement in guiding online activities. Experts also recommend keeping recreational screen time under 2 hours per day and avoiding interference with sleep, exercise, schoolwork, and social interaction.
In summary, the Bitkom study provides valuable insights into the digital habits of German children and offers guidelines for parents to ensure their children's safe and healthy use of digital devices. The study emphasizes the importance of individualized plans based on child's maturity and family values, with regular reassessment as children grow.
- The level of technology integration in a child's lifestyle becomes increasingly prominent as they grow older, with many parents giving their children smartphones by the age of nine, and smartwatches at eleven.
- Education-and-self-development are critical aspects in managing a child's digital usage, as it's recommended that a child should understand internet risks and be able to protect themselves before being allowed to have a smartphone.
