Many parents allow early use – and set clear rules

• Nearly half of parents under 40 give their children a smartphone before their 10th birthday.
• Over 80% of all parents support a ban on mobile phones in schools.

Many children in Germany own their own smartphone at an early age, usually with their parents’ consent. This may be linked to the fact that 85% of parents consider themselves good role models in their own internet and smartphone use – six percentage points more than last year. By the age of twelve, 71% of children now have their own smartphone, and 44% already do so by the end of primary school. Younger parents (under 40) are more likely to allow early smartphone ownership (49%) compared to older parents (38%).

“Many parents want to prepare their children for the digital world early on and consciously guide them through this process. This aligns with their growing sense of responsibility to lead by example,” says Thomas Brosch, Head of Digital Sales at Postbank.

Parents set clear boundaries on media use

Although many parents permit early entry into the digital world, they consciously regulate the use of smartphones, the internet, and social media. Nearly half of all parents restrict access to certain apps or websites. More than one in two (53%) limits their children’s internet time to a maximum of two hours per day. Eight out of ten parents check their underage children’s social media use at least occasionally.

When it comes to mobile phones, rules are clear: half of all parents forbid their use during school hours and study time. Younger parents are more likely to impose time- and situation-specific restrictions: 40% allow access only at certain times of the day – 12 percentage points more than older parents. They are also stricter before bedtime: 36% ban evening use, compared to 26% among older parents. At mealtimes, however, older parents set more boundaries: 54% of them do not allow smartphone use at the table, compared to 46% of parents under 40.

“Parents set a clear framework, especially during study time and family activities like shared meals. Smartphones are part of everyday life – but not everywhere and all the time,” says Thomas Brosch.

Majority of parents support mobile phone ban in schools

There is broad agreement on one key issue: 81% of all parents support a ban on mobile phones in schools. Almost half of parents with children believe that phones in the classroom disrupt concentration and learning. About one-third consider a ban sensible but would allow certain exceptions. In addition, parents are calling for clear age limits for access to social media: 60% support age restrictions regardless of the platform.

“Many parents fear their children’s learning success is at risk due to a lack of concentration. That’s why they want clear rules and safe spaces to be officially established,” says the digital expert.

Background on the Postbank Digital Study 2025

For the “Postbank Digital Study 2025 – The Digital Germans,” 3,050 residents were surveyed between May and June this year, including 805 respondents with children in the household. For the eleventh year in a row, Postbank examined trends in various areas of life related to digitalization in general and finance in particular. To ensure a representative sample, the survey was weighted by federal state, age, and gender, based on the 2022 census by the Federal Statistical Office. Results are rounded to whole numbers; rounding differences may cause totals to vary.

Commentary

The findings paint a clear picture: digitalization is becoming part of childhood earlier than ever. While parents recognize the benefits of early digital literacy, they are also aware of the potential downsides – from distraction in the classroom to overuse at home. Interestingly, younger parents seem more comfortable allowing early access but also take a more hands-on approach to setting boundaries. This reflects a broader cultural shift: smartphones are no longer seen solely as entertainment devices, but as tools that children must learn to navigate responsibly. The challenge for the next few years will be striking the right balance between enabling access and ensuring that the digital world doesn’t overshadow the real one.