Smartphones, social media, and digital devices have become inseparable from the daily lives of children and teenagers. From chatting with friends to discovering new hobbies, watching videos, or finding creative inspiration, the digital world offers endless opportunities. But alongside these possibilities come challenges, especially for parents trying to guide their children through it safely. A recent survey by the digital association Bitkom of 1,004 parents with children aged six to eighteen offers a detailed look at how German families manage smartphone and social media use, and how these habits evolve with age.
The journey into the digital world begins surprisingly early. By the age of seven, the majority of children in Germany are already using a smartphone. By nine, most have their own device. This early adoption is not limited to smartphones: at age seven, most children are also using a PC or notebook; by eight, a tablet; by nine, a gaming console; and by eleven, a smartwatch. These devices are now firmly embedded in childhood routines, opening the door to both opportunities and concerns for parents.
When it comes to social media, parents take a gradual approach. For children between six and nine, 77% are not allowed to have their own profile or even share an adult’s account. Only 16% allow limited shared use, and just 3% permit an anonymized account. None in this age group are allowed to create a profile with their real name or personal photos.
This changes between the ages of ten and twelve. Here, 38% are allowed to share an existing account, while 37% can already have their own. About half of these must remain anonymous, but the other half can use their real identity. By ages thirteen to fifteen, the majority of parents (80%) allow their children to create their own profiles, 55% openly identifiable, 25% anonymized. At sixteen and above, nearly all restrictions disappear, with 83% of teens enjoying a fully identifiable social media presence.
Parental rules and restrictions tend to loosen with age. For younger children, most parents set time limits, enable parental controls, and regularly check what their child is viewing. Among six‑ to nine‑year‑olds, 94% of parents impose time limits and 90% use age‑appropriate settings. Over half check the content their child consumes, and more than a third review installed apps.
By ages ten to twelve, similar patterns remain, though controls start to ease slightly. By the teenage years, especially after thirteen, restrictions drop sharply. Only 40% of parents of thirteen‑ to fifteen‑year‑olds maintain time limits, and less than 20% check content or apps. For sixteen‑ to eighteen‑year‑olds, only 10% of parents impose time restrictions or use parental controls.
Among all devices, the smartphone remains the most important. Parents allow children to use them at an average age of seven, with personal ownership granted around age nine. Initially, rules are strict. But by thirteen, a majority of teens have unrestricted access. The survey also shows that while rules are common, enforcement is a challenge. Nearly half of parents who set time limits admit their children often exceed them.
Despite growing freedoms, parents remain concerned about the digital safety of their children. Among those whose children have social media profiles, 80% fear cyberbullying. More than half believe their child has already been bullied online, and 54% say their child has seen disturbing content. Additionally, 22% worry about exposure to extremist ideologies.
Yet only 38% of parents regularly talk with their children about their online experiences. This highlights a gap between parental concern and active engagement, something experts stress is crucial to digital safety.
Concerns aside, parents also recognize the positive aspects of social media. The majority (78%) value its role in helping children stay connected with friends. Over half appreciate the platform for creative expression and sharing ideas, while many see it as a tool for deepening personal interests. Some even highlight the supportive communities found online, such as those focused on mental health, LGBTQ+ topics, or body positivity. For nearly a third, social media is also a valuable source of political and social information for their children.
Parents largely see themselves as competent guides in the digital world. Three‑quarters feel confident teaching their children how to navigate media and technology. However, 41% admit they struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of new devices and apps. To address this, 43% actively seek information to improve their knowledge.
The survey also reveals strong public support for integrating digital education into school curricula. Eight out of ten parents want media literacy taught alongside traditional subjects, recognizing that not all children receive adequate guidance at home.
Rules alone are not enough, children learn by example. Nearly half of parents say they try to be good role models in their own smartphone habits. However, 63% wish their child spent less time on their device, and many acknowledge using digital media as a form of childcare when they need uninterrupted time.
Balancing digital access with healthy boundaries is not easy. While 19% of parents want a ban on social media for children under ten, 39% favor restrictions until thirteen, and 38% until sixteen. Only a small minority oppose any legal restrictions.
The survey paints a picture of a gradual loosening of digital restrictions as children grow older. While many parents start with strong boundaries, time limits, privacy controls, and regular monitoring, these tend to fade in the teenage years. Yet the digital challenges facing children, from cyberbullying to harmful content, remain very real.
Parental involvement, open conversations, and education, both at home and in schools, are key to ensuring children can enjoy the benefits of the digital world while staying safe. As smartphones and social media continue to shape childhood and adolescence, the role of parents as guides, role models, and protectors is more important than ever.
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