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Debate Over Smartphone Bans at Youth Camps Sparks Discussion on When Kids Should Get Phones

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A debate over smartphone bans at youth camps has raised questions about when children should receive their first phone.
  • Experts suggest there's no fixed age, but most children get a smartphone around the 6th grade, with usage rising sharply in secondary school.
  • Parents are advised to set clear rules and discuss responsible usage, focusing on specific situations rather than just screen time duration.

The recent discussion surrounding a smartphone ban for children under 12 at Kazou youth camps has ignited a debate among parents and experts about the appropriate age for children to receive their first mobile device. While there's no universally agreed-upon age, data indicates a significant trend.

The most children get a smartphone around the 6th grade.

— Andy DemeulenaereExplaining the general trend of smartphone ownership among children.

According to Andy Demeulenaere, coordinator of Mediawijsheid (Media Literacy) at the Flemish Knowledge Center for Digital and Media Literacy, most children receive a smartphone around the sixth grade. This aligns with research showing that 60% of Flemish children in their final year of primary school own a smartphone, a figure that jumps to 94% by the first year of secondary school.

Pedagogically, there is little reason to give your child a phone before the 6th grade. They have little need for it.

— Andy DemeulenaereDiscussing the developmental appropriateness of smartphone ownership.

Demeulenaere emphasizes that pedagogical reasons for giving a child a phone before the sixth grade are scarce, as younger children typically have little need for one. However, he acknowledges exceptions, such as an 8-year-old using a phone solely to contact parents for school pickups. The key, he stresses, lies in establishing concrete agreements, especially for children under 12.

It is important to make concrete agreements. Especially under the age of 12.

— Andy DemeulenaereHighlighting the necessity of clear rules for younger children.

These agreements should cover the phone's purpose, approved apps, and contact persons. Demeulenaere also points out that fewer than half of primary school children report having clear rules at home regarding screen time and usage times. While the duration of use is less critical than the context, parents are urged to set boundaries, such as prohibiting phone use in bedrooms, to maintain oversight. He cautions against succumbing to social pressure and giving a child a phone simply because their peers have one, highlighting potential dangers like the addictive nature of platforms such as YouTube Shorts and TikTok.

Giving your child a smartphone because other children also have one? That is probably the worst reason there is.

— Andy DemeulenaereAdvising against succumbing to peer pressure when deciding on smartphone ownership.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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