Smartphones have an important place in our lives as devices that provide practical and important benefits as a result of advancing technology. These phones, which started to contain the features of computers over time, become the needs of children as they get older and attract their attention. As such, they want to reach as soon as possible.
Babies, who are attached to their phones or tablets so that they do not cry, do not misbehave or disturb, want to have these devices as soon as they reach the age when they can think and make decisions. Of course, it attracts the attention of children, but the demand does not come only from children. Some parents state that they consider it normal to buy smartphones for their children at a young age.
3-year-old children’s smartphone use seems normal
In a survey conducted in Germany by the German public opinion research organization YouGoy, an answer was sought to the question “From what age should children have a smartphone?” According to the survey, the age of using smartphones is decreasing day by day. In the survey conducted, 4 percent of parents stated that they are willing to use and buy smartphones for their children aged 3-5.
Half of the parents who participated in the survey state that they find it normal to buy or have their children aged 6-11 use smartphones. On the other hand, 36 percent think that children should be older and the age range of 12-14 is suitable for smartphones. In addition, more than 80 percent of parents whose children use smartphones know which applications and services their children aged 0-14 use on the phone and how much time they spend with them.
Looking at the survey, it is seen that parents with children aged 15-17 have difficulties in gaining information and control over their children’s phone use, and have difficulty in providing this. While 62 percent of the parents said that they rarely know what their children aged 15-17 use on their smartphones, 59 percent said that they rarely have control over what their children consume and use. At what age do you think children should buy a smartphone?