Majority of kids granted access to cell phones by the time they reach age seven
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In Germany, the digital world is becoming increasingly integral to children's lives, but experts and parents are taking a cautious approach to ensure the safety and healthy development of young minds.
According to a recent Bitkom survey, most German children start using smartphones by the age of 7, often owning one by 9. However, educators and safety experts caution that this may be too early [1]. By the age of 13, children are typically recommended to start using smartphones and social media, when they better understand internet dangers and can protect themselves.
At ages 6-9, 77% of parents do not allow their children any personal social media accounts; shared or anonymous use is limited. From the age of 10-12, shared use of social media becomes common, with 37% allowed to set up their own profiles. By the age of 13 and older, about 80% of parents allow children full access to social media and their own profiles [1].
The survey also reveals that the majority of parents allow their children to use social media profiles by the age of 13. For children aged 10 to 12, 37% are allowed to set up their own profile in social networks. The survey results suggest a gradual increase in the use of social media by German children as they grow older [1].
Children in Germany typically use a PC or notebook by age 7, a tablet by age 8, and a gaming console by age 9 [1]. Smartwatches are common by age 11, often purchased by parents to monitor children [1].
Regarding legal restrictions, there is no ban on smartphone use for children under 14 in Germany, despite some misinformation circulating. The German Ministry of Justice has confirmed no fines or bans for under-14 smartphone use exist [2]. However, a broader EU-level policy starting in late 2025 will set a minimum age of 16 for some social media accounts, which may influence German norms [4].
Experts recommend allowing children to have a smartphone only when they understand the risks of the internet and can protect themselves, which is typically around the age of 12 to 13. This cautious, age-staged introduction to digital devices and social media aims to ensure children's safety and healthy development [1][2][3][4].
| Device/Social Media | Recommended Starting Age (Germany, experts) | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Smartphones | Typically 12-13 years (though usage begins earlier) | | Tablets | Commonly around 8 years (parental control advised) | | Social Media Profiles | No accounts below 6-9; shared/anonymous use at 10-12; full access mostly from 13 years | | Smartwatches | Around 11 years (mostly parent-provided) | | Legal restrictions on smartphone/social media use | None for under 14; anticipated EU minimum age of 16 for accounts |
The Bitkom survey, a representative survey of 1,004 parents of children aged 6 to 18, published in Berlin, provides valuable insights into the digital habits of German children and the role of parents in guiding their children's digital journeys [1].
- Children in Germany tend to start using smartphones by the age of 7, but education experts suggest that the age of 12-13 is more appropriate when they can understand the risks of technology and protect themselves.
- Parents in Germany often introduce tablets to their children around the age of 8, emphasizing the importance of parental control during this period.
- While personal social media accounts are not allowed for children under the age of 6-9 in Germany, those aged 10-12 are usually allowed shared or anonymous use, and around 80% of parents allow full access by the age of 13, promoting personal growth and education-and-self-development in the digital world.
