A significant number of children initially adopt smartphone use at the tender age of seven, according to a recent survey. - Majority of Children Introduced to Smartphones by Age Seven, According to Poll
In a recent survey conducted by Bitkom, a German digital association, the digital habits of children and their parents were explored [1]. The study revealed that children in Germany start using smartphones and other digital devices at a young age.
Most children begin using smartphones by around age 7, and by age 9, they typically own their own device [2][3]. The trend doesn't stop there, as children start using other digital devices early as well. By age 7, many children are using PCs or laptops, and tablets become common by age 8, gaming consoles by age 9, and smartwatches by age 11 [2].
When it comes to social media use and parental monitoring, the survey found that for children aged 6 to 9, 77% of parents do not allow them any social media accounts. However, as children grow older, shared access becomes more common. For ages 10 to 12, 37% of children are allowed their own profiles [2]. From age 13, the majority of parents permit full social media access, with 80% allowing their children to have personal profiles [2][3].
Despite allowing early usage, many parents are concerned and want their children to spend less time on devices. They actively set rules, with a majority of parents setting guidelines for their children aged 6 to 12 regarding smartphone usage time and parental controls [3].
However, the survey highlights a tension where parents allow early digital access but recognize the need for clear rules, supervision, and education on digital and media skills. Most parents want these skills to be part of school curricula, and there is a call for active guidance and competent support, balancing freedom and control [1][3].
The survey also revealed that parents are concerned about their children's safety online. For instance, 80% of parents of children with social media profiles fear their child may be bullied online, a concern that decreases to 10% for parents of 16- to 18-year-olds [2]. Furthermore, 54% of parents report that their children have seen disturbing content online [2].
In addition, the survey found that parents are divided on the benefits and drawbacks of social media. While 56% of parents appreciate the sharing of ideas and creative content, 22% worry about their child being radicalized by far-left or far-right groups [3]. On the other hand, 43% of parents value access to political and societal information on social media [3].
The survey's findings underscore the importance of parental involvement and education in navigating the digital world with children. As children start using digital devices at a young age, it's crucial for parents to establish clear rules, provide supervision, and educate their children on digital and media skills to ensure a safe and positive online experience.
References: [1] Bitkom (2022). Digitales Leben von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland 2022. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/digitales-leben-von-kindern-und-jugendlichen-in-deutschland-2022/ [2] Bitkom (2021). Digitales Leben von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland 2021. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/digitales-leben-von-kindern-und-jugendlichen-in-deutschland-2021/ [3] Bitkom (2020). Digitales Leben von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland 2020. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/digitales-leben-von-kindern-und-jugendlichen-in-deutschland-2020/
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