Survey: Two thirds of children and young people own a smartphone

More and more children are using digital devices; in Germany, two thirds of all children aged six and over already own a smartphone. While the proportion among 6 to 9-year-olds is manageable at 17%, three quarters of children between the ages of 10 and 12 already have a smartphone, and over 90% of older children. Among 6 to 9-year-olds, however, the figure is 17%. This is the result of a "representative study" by the digital association Bitkom, in which more than 900 children and young people were surveyed.

Around half of children and young people (54%) use tablets. While 42% of 6- to 9-year-olds have their own tablet, the figure for 16- to 18-year-olds is already 68%. According to the survey, 70 percent of 16 to 18-year-olds own a laptop or desktop PC – across all age groups, the figure is 36 percent. Only 6 percent of 6 to 9-year-olds have their own computer.

"Most children and young people make a technological leap when they move on to secondary school," says Bitkom CEO Dr. Bernhard Rohleder. In his opinion, children should be "accompanied on their way into the digital world" at school and at home and develop digital skills.

Smartwatches, televisions and games consoles are also part of everyday life for many children and young people. These devices are particularly common among older people: Almost half of 16 to 18-year-olds have their own TV, and 31 percent own a smartwatch.

Audio systems are also popular with children and young people, with 75% of 6 to 9-year-olds using them. However, CD players and devices such as Tonie boxes are of little interest to young people. 43% of 6 to 9-year-olds own a CD player, compared to 23% of 16 to 18-year-olds.

(mack)