sueddeutsche.de
German Media Experts Recommend Smartphone Age 11-12
German media experts recommend children receive their first smartphone between ages 11 and 12, provided they demonstrate responsible usage through tests like the "Surfschein" online quiz and a competency checklist, emphasizing digital literacy and safety.
- What specific criteria should parents consider to assess a child's readiness for a smartphone?
- Parents should evaluate children's understanding of online safety, including password creation, recognizing advertising, and identifying trustworthy websites. They should also assess the child's ability to manage screen time and report inappropriate online behavior. Passing an online quiz such as the "Surfschein" is recommended.
- What technical measures can parents implement to ensure safe smartphone usage for their children?
- Parents can utilize parental control apps like Family Link (Android) or iOS's built-in parental controls to limit screen time and manage app usage. They should also check app permissions, disable in-app purchases, and activate the third-party billing lock with their mobile provider to prevent unexpected costs.
- What are the key recommendations from German media experts regarding children's access to smartphones?
- German media experts recommend children receive their first smartphone between ages 11-12, only if they pass online tests demonstrating responsible digital literacy. This includes understanding online safety, responsible app usage, and recognizing online risks such as cyberbullying.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view by including advice from media experts and consumer protection agencies, as well as suggesting various tools and resources for parents. However, the framing slightly favors a cautious approach, emphasizing potential risks and the need for parental supervision. The headline doesn't explicitly advocate for or against smartphones for children, maintaining neutrality.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and informative. There's a slight tendency towards cautious phrasing when discussing risks (e.g., "Abzocke," "Cybermobbing," "Hass-Attacken"), but this is justified given the topic. No overtly loaded terms are used.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a comprehensive overview of responsible smartphone use for children, it could benefit from including diverse opinions beyond those of the cited organizations. For instance, perspectives from children themselves or educators on the benefits of early smartphone access could add balance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on responsible and safe smartphone use for children, aligning with the SDG 4 (Quality Education) target of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. By promoting digital literacy, safe internet practices, and responsible technology use among children, the article contributes to their overall education and prepares them for the digital age. The emphasis on critical thinking skills (evaluating websites, understanding advertising) is directly relevant to media literacy education which is key to the SDG.