They are several years old and unlimited access to the phone. Alarming examination
Children start using other media much earlier. From the Smart TV at the age of four, from a computer at the age of seven, and a tablet at the age of eight. At the age of nine, children in Germany begin to play on consoles, and in the age of 11 they can use a smartwatch.
However, it is above all that the smartphone has become an indispensable element of modern childhood. 99 percent surveyed parents claims that it is important for them to be able to contact the child by phone. Safety and constant availability seem to be important factors affecting early passing on to children smartphones.
– Smartphones, game consoles and social networks are an integral part of the life of most children and youth – says Bernhard Rohleder, general director of the Bitts. – Especially at a young age they need a safe space in the digital world, clear principles and careful care of parents and schools.
With age The control exercised by parents quickly decreases. While in the case of children aged six to nine years 94 percent. parents set clear rules and restrictions on the use of smartphones, this percentage drops to just 40 percent. In the case of teenagers aged 13 to 15. Nine out of 10 teenagers aged 16 to 18 have unlimited access to the phone.
In the case of approx. 90 percent parents up to 12 years old are determined time limits and functions of youth protection or settings suitable for age. Since the age of 16, most parents give up control – this is how researchers summarize the further development of the situation. Young protection functions are then activated only in every tenth teenager.
Social media
However, it seems that the rules do not quite work. Almost half of the parents say that their children often use smartphones longer than agreed.
In the case of social networks, such as Instagram, Tiktok or Snapchat, parents are much more cautious. While 77 percent Children aged 6 to 9 have no access to social platforms yet, the situation changes drastically after the age of 13, when only 3 percent. teenagers are banned from using this type of media.
Even if the child has their own profile, many parents keep control over it. 68 percent of them observes his child in social networks, and 45 percent He even knows passwords and has direct access to the account. However, almost half of the parents never actively change privacy settings.
Eight out of 10 parents are afraid that their child may fall victim to mobbing on social networks. These fears are not unfounded: according to the study More than half of the children have already fallen victim to cyberbullying54 percent He saw disturbing content, and every third child was accosted by strangers of adults.
Despite these threats, parents see Also benefits for your children. 78 percent Appreciates the possibility of exchanging information with friends provided by social media. More than half see the potential in sharing creative content and deepening interests.
The presence of children in social media is associated with numerous threats (illustrative photo)
Support for the youngest
Digital education is full of contradictions: 38 percent Parents would like their children to grow without the Internet. At the same time, half of the parents consciously uses digital media as “childcare”to have time for other tasks.
Almost a quarter of parents claims that she feels insecure or is overloaded with digital education. Good 40 percent He admits that it is difficult for them to keep up with many new devices and applications. At the same time, only just over 40 percent. He is deliberately looking for information to be able to better support his child in the digital world.
– Accompanying a child in the media does not end with their first profile. It is then that you need to actively ask questions, and if necessary, advice and support – in every age group – says the general director of the Bitkom Rohleder.
The study also shows that 79 percent parents demand that media and digital competences be more rooted in curricula. In terms of statutory age restrictions on the use of social networks, most are in favor of minimum age of 14 years.
The Bitkom Industry Association recommends parents Approach adapted to age: Until the age of eight, active supervision, between six and twelve years of age, controlled letting go, and in the case of older children competent support in developing independent internet competences.
“Digital competences are just as important today as the ability to read and write,” says Rohleder. Parents play a key role here. – However, because not all children receive the necessary support at home, schools are needed. Media and digital competences should be included in the curriculum – adds the expert.
