Young children equip with cell phones at age seven.
In a recent survey by Bitkom, 1,004 parents of children aged 6 to 18 in Germany were questioned about the introduction of digital devices and social media for their children.
The results show that children in Germany are increasingly exposed to digital technology at a young age. Most seven-year-olds have access to a smartphone, and by the age of nine, many own their own smartphone. The trend continues with the addition of tablets at the age of eight and smartwatches by the age of eleven.
However, educators and safety experts advise caution when it comes to smartphones and social media. They recommend delaying smartphone use until children are typically able to understand internet risks and protect themselves, around 12 to 13 years old.
Regarding social media, most parents do not allow children under 10 to have their own accounts. Instead, some use shared adult or family accounts or anonymous profiles. Between ages 10 and 12, many children are allowed shared use or to begin setting up their own profiles, though with parental controls. At 13 and older, most parents permit full social media access; only about 3% restrict social media at this age.
By 16-18, social media restrictions are mostly lifted, with the majority of teens having their own identifiable profiles under parental consent.
In a broader European context, the EU is moving toward stronger protections for minors online, including national-level potential bans or parental consent requirements for social media under certain ages, often focusing on ages 13 to 15 as critical thresholds.
Thus, while smartphone ownership often begins younger, expert advice and parental practices converge on introducing social media use more cautiously and usually starting full access after age 12 or 13, balancing children’s digital participation with safety concerns.
References:
[1] Bitkom (2021). Digitalisierung für Kinder: Was Eltern über Smartphone, Internet und Social Media wissen müssen. Retrieved from https://www.bitkom.org/presse/pressemitteilungen/digitalisierung-fuer-kinder-was-eltern-ueber-smartphone-internet-und-social-media-wissen-muessen/
[2] Deutsche Welle (2020). How young is too young for a smartphone in Germany? Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/how-young-is-too-young-for-a-smartphone-in-germany/a-54653576
[3] European Commission (2018). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on preventing the dissemination of terrorist content online. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12522-Proposal-for-a-Regulation-on-preventing-the-dissemination-of-terrorist-content-online
[4] Council of Europe (2018). Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list/-/conventions/rms/0900001680003f82
The introduction of digital devices in a child's life is not just confined to Germany; it's a growing trend across Europe. As the results of the survey indicate, children are exposed to technology such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches at increasingly younger ages. However, advising caution is crucial, especially when it comes to social media use, which is often recommended for children aged 12-13 or older, striking a balance between digital participation and health-and-wellness concerns. Moreover, science and technology, when used responsibly, can contribute significantly to a child's health-and-wellness and lifestyle, such as through educational apps or online health resources.
