In a previous post we reflected on the use of the smartphone in children under 10 years of ageToday I tell you what is the ideal age to have the first mobile, if it is possible to speak in such terms (since everything depends on a set of factors to take into account). But the objective of this post is to share with you some data from the latest INE survey on "Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Homes". Seven out of ten children (10 to 15 years old) in our country have their own mobile phone device, constitute a percentage of 67 percent.
The proportion of information technology use among children (10 to 15 years old) is, in general, very high. Thus, computer use among children is practically universal (95,1%), Meanwhile he 93,6% use the Internet
The Basque Country, Asturias, Castilla León and Castilla la Mancha are the autonomous communities where the number of children with mobile phones is higher. The increase in the use of these devices among minors is not surprising, since they have many possibilities, and can be used to socialize, learn or have fun; There are even secondary schools in which its educational use is encouraged. But as we all know, any tool used without taking precautionary measures can cause problems, and smartphones are not exempt, that's why ...
Children and mobiles, at what age?
As I have anticipated, it all depends on each family, its rules, whether the child is going to need it or not, etc. The reality is that for a few years, mobiles are the star gift of First Communion, and tablets, of Santa Claus / the Three Wise Men; But the evidence shows us that we could wait a few years for them to launch their own phone, and of course I consider it totally inappropriate for a child to have a better quality smartphone than their parents, because it is not educational to get such expensive objects without effort.
Eg exposure to risks It is greater the younger the user is, because immaturity facilitates exposure to dangerous situations, and also that they act (online, of course) without thinking.
When I speak of evidence, I mean, for example, this reference to a study stating that almost half of the kids are addicted to their phones (according to the parents' criteria), and who spend a lot of time in front of screens (here it is not specified "which screens", therefore it should be clarified), which causes emotional dependenceAnd I also refer to the documented cases of negative consequences. by exposure to sexting or grooming.
In any case, it is strongly discouraged that children under 10 have their own smartphone, and Internet risk prevention professionals place the most "appropriate" age at 14, considering that psychological development provides maturity to manage use and any potential conflicts that may arise. Furthermore, it is important that can assume consequences derived from misuse, something difficult before the age of 13/14.
Now, it is important to differentiate between basic phone for calling y smartphone with free Internet access. There are children who between the ages of 6 and 8 begin to have a certain independence (going to and from school alone, running small errands, etc.). In these situations, it may be reasonable for them to have a simple phone just for timely communicationsA very different reality is providing an unsupervised "pocket computer" with unfiltered social media and messaging.
Peer pressure also plays a role: when someone in the class has a mobile phone, the rest usually demand it; if they don't have one, may feel excludedThis social factor exists, but it should not replace the evaluation of maturity, responsibility and real need in every family.
A key point that has not been addressed much is the sharenting: Parents who regularly share information and images of their children on social media. Beyond the intention, it's worth reflecting on why expose data or routines (school, home, habits) can increase risks, and also conditions the future privacy of the minor. If we want them to manage their privacy well in adolescence, the logical thing to do is to set an example from childhood.
My son already has a mobile, how do I act?
I have collected some of the best tips, if you can expand them in the comments, or tell us about your experience:
- Data plan: Internet access via Wi-Fi is usually preferable; data plans are sometimes considered a luxury, which is why they shouldn't be available to such small children.
- The minor must know what is expected of him regarding his network behaviorDo we want him to respect others? Do we want him to know how to protect himself?
- Give example: It's essential; you educate more than with a lecture. What's the point of telling your 13-year-old son that he doesn't need to say goodbye to his classmates if he just saw them when you just texted your wife, who's in another room of the house? (I'm not making this up; these things happen.)
- Nothing to take the cell phone to bed, nothing to turn it on during class.
- Specify when it is going to be used before buying it: on weekends? School days? Those in which the child goes to the Conservatory after the Institute?
- In your family you decide, not the parents of your children's friends, nor - of course - those friends.
Modifiable or adaptable: Any of these recommendations can be modified or adapted to your family's situation.
In addition, these practical guidelines work:
- Common areas and hours: Use in shared spaces reduces risks and encourages accompaniment. It establishes mobile parking and "airplane mode"at meals and before sleeping.
- Yours, but not private: Being minors, the ultimate responsibility falls on the family; it is advisable parental access to the device, with a joint and rational review of contacts and privacy settings.
- Contract of use: a written and visible agreement with rules, time limits, consequences, and steps to gain autonomy. It helps align expectations now talking about cyberbullying, sexting and its management.
- Parental controls and filters: Set up your device with Family Link, Screen Time, or Qustodio, and filter content inappropriate. These are useful aids, although no filter is infallible.
- Geolocation and “Find my device” only if it provides proportional tranquility and having explained it to the minor: safety yes, hypervigilance No.
How to choose and configure that first smartphone
Choosing the right device and setting it up properly is just as important as deciding the age. For children, a high-end device isn't necessary; prioritize security and simplicity:
- Ease of use: Clean interface, no complex layers or bloatware.
- Resistance: Case and protector; rugged equipment that can withstand drops.
- Screen and fluidity: comfortable size and agile response rather than extreme resolution.
- Battery: good autonomy and fast charging to avoid daily conflicts.
- Frontal camera: enough for video calls and selfies without looking for professional features.
- Storage: Basic capacity is enough if it is encouraged digital hygiene and copies in the family cloud.
Set up your phone together: create a child user or supervised, install only necessary apps, adjust privacy and permissions, activate purchase control and define a White list of contacts. If you open profiles on social networks, let it be private, with no visible personal data or geolocation by default.
Health, maturity and screen time
Age matters, but so does emotional maturity, self-control and the ability to follow rules. Excessive use is related to worst dream, poorer concentration and sedentary habits, which in turn can influence weight and academic performance. Networks and video games are designed to reinforce immediate gratification, so it is important to teach how to recognize signs of “hooking” and practice regular pauses.
A useful guideline is the three-pillar rule: 1) homework and rest cutlery, 2) physical activity and daily face-to-face social, 3) offline hobbies active. If any of them fail, screen times are readjusted. Educating in technology is not just about limiting, it is also about accompany and dialogue.
Special cases: separated families and agreements
In contexts of separation or divorce, buying a smartphone for a minor is often considered a act of extraordinary power, so it is desirable agreement of both parents, especially before the age of 14. Consistency between homes reduces conflicts for the child.
If there is no consensus, it is possible to resort to a voluntary jurisdiction procedure (applicable legal framework) to determine who decides. Beyond the legal route, it is optimal to agree on uses, schedules, configuration and consequences, and inform the minor jointly to avoid contradictory messages.
FAQs
Can a cell phone be given only for emergencies at an early age? Yes, taking into account the context. It can be a basic phone without internet for occasional calls. The jump to smartphones with networks and messaging should to be postponed as much as is reasonable and always under supervision.
How to limit usage at night? Set a time of disconnection (for example, 60 minutes before bedtime) and leave devices charging outside the bedroom. Activate “rest mode” and turn off nightly notifications.
What parental control tools are useful? Family Link, Screen Time and Qustodio help to Supervise time, apps and searches. Complement with dialogue and manual contact tracing and privacy.
I end with my opinion: it is true that according to what ages it is not necessary to have a mobile, as it is in practice that it is a tool that facilitates their social integration. It's advisable delay the purchase as much as possible, and establish rules once the girl or boy already has their brand new (and not for that reason, the latest generation) mobile phone. In this matter, balance is a virtue.