approx. 4 min read
Children are getting their first smartphone at very young ages more and more often. But at what age should children get their first smartphone, how much screen time is appropriate, and what does the 3-6-9-12 rule say? You'll find out in our blog!
From what age should children get their first smartphone?
Fritz Weilharter, professor of sports psychology in Berlin, argues in his book "The New Elite. Why Children Without Smartphones Own the Future" (Edition a) that children should not be given their own smartphone until the age of 12 in order to better support their development. We explain here what led him to make this claim:
The reasons for giving a child their own phone are often very varied: Peer pressure is frequently a factor, as many friends already own a smartphone. However, many parents also want to be able to reach their child in case of emergency. According to Fritz Weilharter, the answer here is to be strong and say no. Explain to children that these are the rules, have them put their phone away at mealtimes, or even hold phone-free days. Saying no pays off in the long run, as this is a process of friction that is also important during puberty.
The argument that children have to adapt to the digital transformation and its demands early on is not reason enough for a first smartphone before 12. According to Weilharter, children can learn these skills within days. For example, to do a good job as a mathematician, you need to be well developed cognitively.
As a benefit of little to no smartphone use & co. in children, it was found that these children were able to further develop skills and competencies for which they had a passion as young children and for which they were able to develop a high level of attention Weilharter found a clear difference here compared to those children who killed their boredom with phones.
"We know that boredom is a very important impulse for further development. The longer parents can bear to offer analog impulses and maintain the children's intrinsic motivation, the more they contribute to their children becoming part of the new elite." Fritz Weilharter
You can find the full interview with Fritz Weilharter here.
The 3-6-9-12 rule
For those who nevertheless do not want to let their own children grow up completely without technology, there is the 3-6-9-12 rule as a guide. This was designed by the French psychoanalyst and psychiatrist Serge Tisseron. The rule is often used as a guide for children's screen time and states the following:
Psychologists recommend completely avoiding screens until the age of three, that the child should not have a game console before the age of six, their own smartphone before nine, and unsupervised access to computers and the internet before twelve.
How much screen time is appropriate for children?
Approximate guidelines for screen time
- 4 to 6 years: 20 minutes (but not every day)
- 7 to 10 years: 30 to 45 minutes daily
- From 10 years: Agree on a weekly limit to train independent media use
The German Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ) recommends making screen consumption available to children as late as possible. The longer screen consumption is delayed, the better it is for the child and cognitive development.
Alternatives to smartphones & co.
As mentioned above, the reason many parents buy children a smartphone early is the ability to reach them in case of emergency. A very good alternative to this is a children's smartwatch!
With our Anio 6 Children's Smartwatch, you give your child more freedom while maintaining the same level of safety and safely guide them on their way into the digital world of communication.
So, have we piqued your interest? Then head straight to our shop here, so that you too can get your child digitally ready in an age-appropriate way and without sensory overload!
Or do you still have questions? Then just drop by here .
Your Anio Team!
