A recent survey by Bitkom, the German IT industry association, reveals growing tensions within families regarding children’s and teenagers’ smartphone usage. The research, based on a telephone poll of 1,004 German parents with children aged 6 to 18, highlights the prevalence of disagreements surrounding the nature and extent of smartphone access.
The survey found that 74% of parents who allow their children to use smartphones report regularly arguing with their children about this issue. While a majority (60%) experience these disagreements infrequently, 14% report they occur frequently. The discrepancy is particularly pronounced among parents of children aged 10 to 12 – a full 88% of this group report regular arguments about smartphone use. Disagreements are also prevalent amongst parents of younger (71% with children aged 6-9) and older (72% with children aged 13-15) children, with slightly fewer arguments reported by parents of 16-18 year olds (64%).
A concerning 14% of parents who permit smartphone use believe their child may be developing a smartphone addiction. The perceived likelihood of addiction increases with age: 8% of parents with children aged 6-9 suspect addiction, rising to 12% for those with children aged 10-12 and reaching 17% for both the 13-15 and 16-18 age groups.
Beyond disagreements, the survey indicates that smartphones are also frequently utilized as a disciplinary measure. Approximately 48% of parents occasionally withhold or restrict access to their child’s smartphone as a form of punishment. This practice is most common among parents of 6-9 year olds (64%), while it’s least frequent amongst parents of 16-18 year olds (17%).
The data was collected during the period of May 8th to May 14th, 2025 and included responses from 796 parents whose children are generally allowed to use a smartphone.