Smartphones are now part of everyday life for many children and young people. A recent study by the digital association Bitkom shows that smartphone ownership among children from the age of 10 is increasing by leaps and bounds. The study sheds light on the extent to which access to technology differs in different age groups and which other devices play a role in young people’s households.
Key findings at a glance:
- 76% of 10 to 12-year-olds own their own smartphone.
- Among 13 to 15-year-olds, the figure is 90%, and from the age of 16 almost all (95%).
- 54% of children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18 own their own tablet.
- Ownership of other devices such as laptops, games consoles and smartwatches increases significantly with age.
Digital milestones in different age groups
Smartphones: An indispensable companion from secondary school onwards
The prevalence of smartphones among children and young people shows clear age differences. While only 17% of 6 to 9-year-olds own a smartphone, this figure rises to 76% among 10 to 12-year-olds. From the age of 13, the smartphone then becomes the standard: nine out of ten young people aged 13 to 15 own such a device, and from the age of 16 it is almost ubiquitous at 95%.
This increase can be explained by the transition to secondary school, where smartphones are often used for communication, school tasks or organization. Bitkom CEO Dr. Bernhard Rohleder emphasizes that this development should be accompanied by support from parents and teachers in order to promote responsible use of digital devices.
Tablets and computers: complementary devices for education and leisure
Tablets are also very popular, especially among younger children. 42% of 6 to 9-year-olds already have their own tablet. The proportion is even higher among young people aged between 16 and 18, at 68%. These devices are often used for school work, creative projects or streaming.
Owning their own computer or laptop, on the other hand, is rare among younger children (6% of 6 to 9-year-olds), but becomes more important as they get older: 70% of 16 to 18-year-olds have their own device.
Games consoles and smartwatches: technological companions for leisure and fitness
Games consoles play a particularly important role in the 10 to 15 age group, with ownership rates of over 50%. However, interest in consoles declines from the age of 16, presumably due to the increased use of other devices such as laptops and smartphones.
Smartwatches are also gaining in importance, especially among older teenagers. While 15% of 6 to 9-year-olds own a smartwatch, the proportion rises to 31% among 16 to 18-year-olds. These devices combine functions for fitness, communication and organization.
Variety of devices reflects different interests
In addition to the omnipresent smartphones, there is an astonishing variety of devices that children and young people use. CD players and audio boxes are popular with the youngest, but become less important as they get older. Smart speakers and cameras, on the other hand, are evenly distributed across all age groups, which indicates a wide range of possible uses.
Conclusion: early entry into the digital world
The results of the Bitkom study make it clear that access to digital devices is a central part of everyday life for children and young people. Especially from the age of 10, the smartphone becomes an indispensable companion. Parents and schools play an important role in combining technological progress with the targeted promotion of media skills.
Reference to further information
The study also shows how the ownership of other devices changes with age. These trends highlight the need not only to give children and young people access to technology, but also to support them in using it responsibly.
“Children and young people must be accompanied on their way into the digital world – both through lessons on digital skills in schools and at home,” demands Bitkom CEO Dr. Bernhard Rohleder.
