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A smartphone offers many possibilities: chatting, playing games, watching videos. Using it needs to be learned. The decisive factor is not the age of your child, but what they can already do and understand. This checklist will help you to assess this more accurately. Your child does not have to fulfill all the points. The more that apply, the better prepared your child will be. The checklist serves as a guide and does not replace an individual decision.

The checklist to tick off:

My child …

… has gained initial experience in using a smartphone

has already used a smartphone or tablet under supervision
knows basic functions

… masters basic functions and settings

sets up a PIN or password
uses a screen lock
Switches WLAN, Bluetooth or GPS on and off selectively
understands when these functions are useful (e.g. GPS for navigation)
can switch data roaming on or off as required

… has basic knowledge of costs and advertising

knows the basic costs (e.g. prepaid or contract)
recognizes where costs may arise (e.g. in-app purchases)
uses settings to limit costs
recognizes advertising and knows that there are interests behind it

… consciously selects apps and content

checks whether an app is suitable for your age before installing it
does not install apps without checking them (e.g. reads app descriptions and ratings)

… consciously handles personal data and privacy

knows that apps can use data such aslocation, contacts or camera
understands why apps require access
knows where it can find information about this (e.g. in settings or app instructions)
is careful with your own data and photos
knows what is better not to share

… behaves respectfully online

treats others kindly and respectfully
does not share images or data of others without permission
knows that content is often protected and may not simply be passed on
reports problematic content or behavior

… recognizes risks and can deal with them

notices when something is unpleasant or strange
can block, report or ignore other users
gets help with specific problems (e.g. scary messages, requests for address or photos, rip-off attempts)

… observes rules

understands agreed rules on use (e.g. why the cell phone is switched off at night or not taken to school)
complies with agreements (e.g. fixed times or cell phone-free areas)

… can assess their own usage behavior

knows approximately how much time it spends on its smartphone
notices when use becomes too much (e.g. tiredness or restlessness)
can assess the importance of the smartphone in everyday life

How you can use the checklist

Go through the points together with your child. This will help you recognize what is already working well and where your child still needs support. If many of the points apply, a smartphone of their own can be a sensible next step, with clear rules and support. If many points do not yet apply, your child should continue to practise these skills, for example on your smartphone first.