A new study reveals that Danish children typically receive their first tablet at 5.2 years old and their first smartphone by 8.1 years old, highlighting early screen use trends.
According to a recent study conducted by VIVE for Save the Children, Danish children are introduced to technology at an early age, with the average child receiving their first tablet when they are 5.2 years old. The study indicates that smartphones are introduced slightly later, with children averaging 8.1 years to their first smartphone. These findings reflect a growing trend of screen-use among young children in Denmark and raise questions about the implications of early digital exposure.
The study further notes that for children around the age of six, screens are mainly used for streaming services such as Netflix and Viaplay. This usage is primarily for entertainment purposes, which is typical for children at that developmental stage. However, as they approach the age of nine, this consumption starts to shift significantly, becoming more complex as children's engagement with screens evolves.
Malte Siglev, a digital wellbeing advisor at Save the Children, emphasizes that by the age of nine, children's screen use becomes more independent from parental oversight. They begin to establish their own digital relationships and navigate online platforms where social interaction and communication become central. This shift highlights the importance of monitoring and guiding children in their digital lives as they grow older, suggesting a need for safety measures and educational resources to support healthy online interactions.
