Majority of kids gain access to cell phones by the age of seven
In Germany, children's digital device usage begins at a young age, with most encounters starting through television, followed by PCs, tablets, and gaming consoles in early childhood. However, experts recommend a more cautious approach when it comes to smartphones and social media, suggesting these should be introduced from around age 12 or 13.
According to a Bitkom survey, children's first media encounter is typically with a television, with occasional viewing as early as age four reported by parents. By about seven years old, most children begin using a PC or notebook, and a tablet is commonly used by German children at the age of eight. Most children use gaming consoles from around nine years old.
While many German children start using smartphones as early as age seven and often own one by age nine, experts and educators recommend waiting until children are about 12 to 13 years old—when they better understand internet dangers and can protect themselves. Early smartphone ownership before age 13 is associated with increased mental health challenges.
When it comes to social media, a survey reveals that for children aged 6 to 9, 77% of parents do not allow their children to have their own user account or co-use on social media. A small percentage allow shared or anonymous access but none allow accounts with the child’s real name or photo. At age 10 to 12, parents mainly allow co-use of social media accounts, with 37% allowing their child to have their own social media profile. From age 13, most parents allow a recognizable social media profile for their children. By the age of 16, none of the surveyed parents forbid 16- to 18-year-olds from using social media, and at age 16 to 18, 83% of teenagers have their own, recognizable social media profile with parental consent.
It's worth noting that parents often buy smartphones and smartwatches for their children to monitor their whereabouts. By the age of nine, many German children own their own smartphone. Smartwatches are commonly owned by children at age 11.
The European Commission has allowed countries to set social media age restrictions nationally, with some EU countries considering bans for minors under 15, reflecting caution around younger children’s social media use. This reflects a balance between current usage trends and expert guidance emphasizing digital literacy and protection before granting full access.
In summary, while children in Germany often start using digital devices quite early (from preschool to early elementary ages), experts recommend smartphones and social media mainly from age 12 or 13 onward, taking into account children's social, emotional, and safety readiness.
Technology plays a significant role in shaping children's lifestyle in Germany, with smartphones and social media being introduced at a more cautious pace. Experts suggest that smartphones should ideally be introduced around age 12 or 13, while children's own social media profiles are largely accepted from age 13 onward, with more supervised access given at earlier ages.
