Majority of Minors Gain Cell Phone Access by Age Seven
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In a recent survey conducted by the digital association Bitkom in Berlin, the usage of digital devices among German children was examined. The survey involved 1,004 parents of children aged 6 to 18.
The study revealed that by the age of nine, many seven-year-old children in Germany own their own smartphone. By the age of 11, most children in Germany own a smartwatch, and at nine, most children start using a gaming console. However, it's worth noting that the survey did not provide information about the usage frequency or duration of these devices.
When it comes to social media, the survey showed that for 10 to 12-year-olds, most parents allow shared use of social networks, with only 37% permitting their children to create their own profile. At 13, the majority of parents allow their children to use social media, with 80% allowing their own profile. However, the specific social networks used by the children were not mentioned in the survey.
By 16, most restrictions on social media use are lifted, with no parents prohibiting its use for 16 to 18-year-olds, and 83% having their own recognizable profile with parental consent.
Experts generally recommend that children should start using or owning smartphones around age 13 and delay social media use until around 15 or 16 years old. This age guideline is based on research highlighting the negative mental health impacts and developmental risks for younger children.
A 2025 global study analysing 100,000 young people found that smartphone ownership or use before age 13 is linked to increased risks of suicidal thoughts, poor emotional regulation, lower self-worth, aggression, and sleep disruption in children under 13, with girls appearing particularly vulnerable.
Many educators and psychologists, including social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, advise no smartphones before high school (around 13-14 years old) and no social media before age 16 to protect children's mental health and promote healthy development.
Pediatricians recommend parents actively demonstrate responsible smartphone use and promote digital literacy through authentic engagement, rather than unrestricted access at young ages. Some flexibility exists for younger children: children around age 9 or older who need a phone for safety reasons may be given simpler devices such as wearable smartwatches or inexpensive flip phones with GPS and emergency calling, rather than full smartphones.
Several European countries and EU policymakers are considering or enforcing social media bans for children under 15, reflecting growing regulatory attention on children's online safety. Warnings highlight that smartphones provide unrestricted internet access and social media apps designed to be addictive, exposing children to potentially harmful content and cyberbullying at too young an age.
In summary, the recommended ages are approximately:
| Use Case | Recommended Minimum Age | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Start using/owning smartphone | Around 13 years old | | Start social media use | 15 to 16 years old (varies, but often recommended not before 15) |
Younger children may use restricted or simpler mobile devices mainly for safety communication, not full smartphones or social media with unrestricted access.
- In light of the community policy on technology use, it might be beneficial for parents to delay the purchase of smartphones and smartwatches for children until recommended ages, such as around 13 years old for smartphones and 15 to 16 years old for social media, to protect their mental health and promote personal growth.
- Despite the rising trend among younger children owning smartphones and smartwatches, staying up-to-date with the latest gadgets, like smartphones and gaming consoles, should be balanced with consideration for education-and-self-development, as over-reliance on technology could have negative effects on children's development.
- As technology continues to advance and smartphones become more accessible, educators and psychologists suggest that policymakers implement stricter employment policies regarding the creation of addictive social media apps designed for children under 15, in order to preserve their educational opportunities, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
