Your own cell phone
The first cell phone: When should children be allowed to use it?
Our children are growing up in an increasingly digital world. From an early age, they take new media far more for granted than many adults. As a result, they want their own cell phone, preferably a smartphone, at an increasingly early age. Around a third of all third and fourth graders actually already have a mobile device. However, experts in education, psychology and medicine take a critical view of this. For you as parents, it is undoubtedly not easy to decide on the right time: When is the first cell phone a good idea? And what should you pay attention to?
When is it appropriate to have your own cell phone?
There is no fixed rule as to when a cell phone is appropriate for a child. The decision is entirely up to you. If anything, the rule is: the later, the better. Educators recommend that primary school children should be given a simple cell phone of their own at the age of nine at the earliest - not yet a smartphone! However, you may want to give your child an "emergency" cell phone from the first grade onwards, for example because they walk a long way to school alone every day. Then that's fine too.
Which cell phone is best to start with?
Your first cell phone doesn't have to be a new one. It doesn't need the internet and it should first and foremost be robust. Many families probably still have an older cell phone in their drawer. Perhaps you can find a suitable device to start with? Explain the functions to your child. Save a number where you can be reached.
When can you start using a smartphone?
When your child has already gained experience with digital media and you as parents are sure that they can correctly assess the dangers of the internet and know how to protect themselves. Children are usually ready at around the age of 12. Younger children can still be overwhelmed by the use of smartphones: they have a distracting effect on children, encourage lack of concentration and, with their endless possibilities, pose a considerable risk of addiction.
What should parents bear in mind in everyday life?
As a parent, you are best placed to assess your child's media skills. If you think that your daughter or son is ready for their own cell phone or smartphone, you should introduce your child to responsible use step by step. The following information will give you useful tips and suggestions for safe and healthy use in everyday family life.
Where can we find help and advice?
The "Schau hin" initiative has published age recommendations and golden rules for the use of cell phones by children. You can find useful information and age-appropriate recommendations on the website of "Schau hin".
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