Parents today are grappling with the fast-evolving relationship their children have with technology, particularly smartphones. A recent study conducted by researchers from the UPV/EHU Weablearner team shed light on smartphone usage among 11- to 12-year-olds, amplifying concerns within families about when and how children should engage with these devices.
The research serves as part of wider efforts to understand the digital ecosystem of children before they transition to secondary education, during which smartphone usage is nearly universal. According to research, by the age of 13 to 14, virtually all students already own mobile phones, prompting parents to navigate their children's initial forays with technology.
Eneko Tejada, part of the research team, noted, "This is an important age to investigate because, ... this is when they start to have their own mobile phones and when the biggest change occurs." The study analyzed responses from 356 students across six public vocational schools, underscoring notable trends and the role smartphones play at this age.
The findings revealed two-thirds of the surveyed children owned smartphones, with one-third having obtained one before the commencement of the school year. This statistic highlights a significant milestone, as Tejada describes the moment children receive their first smartphones almost as a rite of passage: "Gifting a smartphone has become ... the key to use social media and, with it, the entry to a parallel world. This is of concern to families."
Interestingly, the study points out the primary reasons why parents provide smartphones to their children: communication and safety. Most parents gift phones to keep tabs on their kids and to maintain connection. Yet, Tejada warns, “Owning a smartphone means starting to use social media directly ... but they need to realize ... it makes it easier for them to make the leap to social media.” While children do use social media platforms, Tejada explained, these are not the main focus for this age group.
Instead, the study suggests more children are drawn to watching videos, particularly on YouTube, rather than actively sharing content or interacting on social media. Tejada remarked, "Social media are not yet one of their main centers of interest ... they cannot be said to interact on these media, as very few of them generate content." Unlike older adolescents, the younger children are often mere spectators of content rather than producers, favoring short videos for quick consumption.
A noteworthy aspect of the research highlights the difference between how boys and girls engage with their devices. Girls predominantly watch videos, whereas boys lean toward playing video games. This distinction draws attention to specific trends within their digital interactions, demonstrating how gender can influence preferences from such young ages.
Despite these insights, researchers advise caution. Tejada points out the necessity of developing strategic plans to encourage safe and responsible use of the internet, social media, and video games, saying, “Strategic plans must be developed to promote safe, responsible use of the Internet, social media and video games.” This call to action underlines the importance of preparing families to provide guidance on smartphone usage.
With the digital age continuing to expand, the study encourages parents to critically evaluate their children's smartphone usage. While the research suggests only mild risk factors currently, the potential for increased social media engagement as children age raises valid concerns about privacy, cyberbullying, and digital literacy.
Consequently, families are prompted to adopt strategies to manage smartphone use, matching their concerns with practical guidelines on how and when to introduce smartphones to their children. Emphasizing education about digital literacy and respectful online behavior will be key components of these strategies.
Overall, as the digital ecosystem becomes more intertwined with children’s daily lives, parents are left weighing the benefits of connectivity against potential risks. With insight like this research provides, families can be more equipped to navigate the ever-shifting landscapes of technology and childhood.
