Today, when technology is an indispensable part of our lives, the age of giving smartphones to children is one of the most debated topics among parents. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, gave a remarkable advice on this subject. So, when should we give children a phone?

When is the right age to give kids a phone?

Gates emphasizes that he waited until his children were 14 to give them phones and that there were important reasons behind this decision. Bill Gates: “We usually set a time when there is no screen time. That helps them get to sleep at a reasonable hour,” says Bill Gates. According to Gates, children’s early smartphone ownership can have a negative impact on social and emotional development.

This is because phones are not just communication tools. They are also the key to unlocking the world of games, social media apps and the internet. This has the terrible potential to weaken children’s social lives and family ties. Gates says he wants his children to develop social interaction skills and be ready to understand the complex dynamics of the digital world before they use phones.

In fact, Gates’ approach is not to completely ban the use of technology, but to integrate it into life in a controlled manner. The advantages of smartphones in education, communication and access to information are undeniable. However, Gates says it is important to consider the risk of these advantages turning into addiction at an early age.

The terrible comparison culture of social media can have a negative impact on children’s self-esteem, while games can limit physical activity and face-to-face communication. Bill Gates’ advice suggests that rather than seeing phone use as a reward or a pressure, we should see it as a tool to support children’s development.

Setting limits on phone use, restricting screen use at certain times and setting rules to increase family interactions can help in this process. For example, it is known that in the Gates family, phone use at the dinner table is strictly forbidden. This may seem like a simple rule, but it makes an important contribution to strengthening family ties.

Every child is different

It would not be right to evaluate every child at the same level. Children are different from each other and their adaptation to technology can also vary. However, if we take Gates’ approach into consideration, we can say that it is a general guide. You need to assess whether your own child is emotionally ready to own a phone.

James P. Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that reviews content and products for families, told the Times in an interview that he has a strict rule for his children when it comes to cellphones: “They get one when they start high school and only when they prove they have restrictions. No two children are the same and there is no magic number. A child’s age is not as important as their own level of responsibility or maturity.”

Published in 2016, “Children and Technology: The Evolution of Today’s Digital Natives” published in 2016, the average age at which a child gets their first smartphone is now 10.3 years old. In short, it’s not just a matter of age, it’s closely related to a child’s ability to take responsibility.

What do you think? What is the right age to give a phone to a child? Don’t forget to share your opinions with us