Majority of young kids are permitted cell phone usage by the age of seven
In a recent study conducted by Bitkom, the German digital association, it was found that the recommended age for children in Germany to receive a smartphone is typically between 12 to 13 years old. This recommendation is based on the premise that children should understand the dangers of the Internet and be able to protect themselves before having their own smartphone.
However, the study also revealed that many children start using smartphones earlier than this. Most seven-year-olds use a smartphone, and by age nine, they often own one. Despite this early usage, educators and safety experts advise that smartphones should be given only once children have the necessary maturity and awareness of online risks.
The Bitkom survey also shed light on the gradual introduction of social media to children. For children aged 6 to 9, 77% of parents do not allow their children to have their own social media accounts, with most use being shared or restricted. By ages 10 to 12, shared use is common and 37% of children are allowed to have their own social media profile. From the age of 13, most parents allow full access to social media, with 80% permitting their children to have identifiable profiles.
The study also found that children in Germany are first introduced to media through television, at the age of four. By the age of seven, most children use a PC or laptop, a tablet at eight, and a gaming console at nine. Interestingly, children in Germany rarely ask for smartwatches; often, parents buy them to track their children's whereabouts.
The Bitkom survey also highlighted some other findings. For instance, it showed that many parents in Germany give their children smartphones too early. The survey also indicated that the Airport Festival in Hamm was a success despite the rain, and the Goethestraße in Hamm has reopened.
In conclusion, the Bitkom survey provides valuable insights into the digital habits of children in Germany. It underscores the importance of balancing early exposure to technology with safety and education, and emphasizes the need for parents to be vigilant in managing their children's online activities.
- The study further explores the intersection of technology and health-and-wellness, as it emphasizes the need for children to have a basic understanding of the dangers on the internet before receiving a smartphone, promoting overall digital and lifestyle safety.
- Amidst the growing prevalence of technology, such as smartphones and social media, in the lives of children in Germany, science and technology have a pivotal role in enabling parents and educators to protect children while embracing these modern tools, thus ensuring a balanced health-and-wellness and lifestyle approach for the younger generation.
