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 a young age, they handle new media far more naturally than many adults. That's why they want their own cell phone at an ever earlier age, preferably a smartphone. Around a third of all third- and fourth-graders actually already have a mobile device. However, experts from education, psychology and medicine take a critical view of this. For you as a parent, it is undoubtedly not easy to decide on the right time: At what point does the first cell phone make sense? And what should you absolutely pay attention to?
When is it appropriate to own a cell phone?
There is no hard and fast 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 elementary school children get a basic cell phone of their own at age nine at the earliest - not a smartphone yet! But you may want to give your child an "emergency" cell phone as early as first grade because, for example, he or she walks a long way to school alone every day. Then that's fine, too.
Which cell phone is suitable for the beginning?
The first cell phone does not have to be a new one. It does not need Internet and it should be robust in the first place. For many families, there is certainly still an older cell phone in the drawer. Perhaps you will find a suitable device for the beginning among them? Explain the functions to your child. Save a number on which you can be reached.
When can it be a smartphone?
When your child has already gained experience with digital media and you, as parents, are sure that he or she can correctly assess the dangers of the Internet and knows how to protect himself or herself. As a rule, children are ready when they are about 12 years old. Younger children may still be overtaxed by smartphones: they have a distracting effect on children, encourage lack of concentration and, with their infinite possibilities, harbor a considerable risk of addiction.
.What should parents pay attention to in everyday life?
As a parent, you are best placed to assess your child's media literacy. If you think 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 initiative "Schau hin" has published age recommendations and golden rules for the use of cell phones by children. Useful information and age-appropriate recommendations can be found on the website of "Schau hin".
More information Links for further reading
