Nowadays, it's common for everyone to have a smartphone. Parents of child-rearing age are struggling with the question of when to give their children a smartphone. It's important to make a careful decision based on the child's development.
In this article, we will explain the appropriate timing, advantages and disadvantages, and things to be careful about when giving a smartphone to your child, for those who are considering giving one to their child.
As smartphones become more widespread, the percentage of elementary and junior high school students who own smartphones is increasing year by year. According to the Agency for Children and Families' 2023 "Survey on the Actual Internet Usage Environment of Young People," the usage rate among elementary school students was 43.7%.
However, when it comes to junior high school students, 79.9%, or about 80%, have smartphones. Based on the above, it is expected that the number of elementary school and junior high school students who have smartphones will increase in the future.
Before giving a smartphone to your child, it is important to understand its benefits. Below we will explain the benefits of giving a smartphone to your child.
One of the major benefits of having a smartphone for your child is that it makes it easier to keep in touch. Even in places where it's difficult to make phone calls, such as on the train or in a facility, you can easily contact them using apps like LINE. You may even be able to deepen your bond with them by exchanging messages and photos.
It may also strengthen connections between children. They may be able to have more casual conversations after school, make plans to play, and interact more with their classmates. In this way, smartphones can become a new tool for fostering children's social skills.
Smartphones are gaining attention as a modern tool to support children's learning. Through internet searches, children can quickly solve their questions and absorb a wide range of knowledge.
Furthermore, Kanji and English learning apps can be used in a game-like manner, which helps to increase motivation to learn. Furthermore, since you can record your learning history and progress, you can also gain a sense of accomplishment from your studies.
Many parents want to know where their children are when they are out. Many parents worry about where their children are and whether they arrived safely at their destination, but using the GPS function on a smartphone can help alleviate these anxieties.
Even if children start going out for club activities or with friends more, knowing their location will give parents a sense of security. Smartphones can be a way to balance children's freedom of movement with parental peace of mind.
In our digital society, children will eventually have the opportunity to use smartphones and computers, so becoming familiar with these devices from an early age will be an advantage for them in the future.
There is no harm in learning IT literacy from a young age, such as how to use apps, how to determine the authenticity of information, and how to protect personal information. By using smartphones on a daily basis, children will naturally acquire IT literacy.
When giving a smartphone to your child, you need to be aware of the possible disadvantages. Below we will explain the disadvantages of giving a smartphone to your child.
One of the disadvantages of giving smartphones to children is the possibility of them becoming addicted to them. With a smartphone, children can easily enjoy attractive apps, social media, games, and more.
As a result, some children may end up spending an uncontrollable amount of time using their smartphones, which may interfere with their daily lives. Many adults also become addicted to smartphones. To reduce this risk, it is essential to take appropriate measures, such as managing screen time.
The possibility that children may come into contact with harmful websites through smartphones cannot be ignored. Websites containing inappropriate content and the existence of malicious users are serious problems.
There are also threats that are difficult for children to judge, such as cleverly designed one-click frauds. Furthermore, interacting with strangers through social media can lead to unexpected trouble. Therefore, continuous parental supervision and appropriate measures are essential to protect children from these threats.
With the widespread use of smartphones, a new problem has emerged among children: cyberbullying via social media and messaging apps. Interpersonal problems are on the rise in the digital space, such as excluding others from groups and exchanging insults in chats.
However, this type of bullying is difficult to spot and is hard for parents to notice. Therefore, when giving your child a smartphone, you should pay attention to their online relationships.
Excessive smartphone use can have a negative impact on children's health. Using smartphones for long periods of time can lead to vision loss, and using them late at night can cause sleep deprivation.
To mitigate these risks, it is a good idea to limit the time and place of smartphone use. To protect your child's health, it is important to carefully consider how they interact with smartphones.
When giving smartphones to children, there are measures that should be taken to ensure safe and appropriate use. Below, we will explain the measures that parents should be aware of, such as setting rules and smartphone settings according to age and maturity. Taking these measures will help minimize the risks.
When letting children have smartphones, it is essential to set rules within the household. It is important to set specific rules such as the time of day when smartphones can be used and the total amount of time they can be used.
When deciding on rules, parents should avoid making unilateral decisions and discuss them as a family while respecting their children's opinions. It is also effective to use apps that can manage smartphone usage time and the Screen Time function (which can limit the amount of time smartphone apps can be used).
One concern with children's smartphone use is access to harmful websites. One effective way to address this issue is to use filtering.
In addition to using the smartphone's built-in filtering features, there are many other options, such as installing dedicated apps or using carrier services. These measures are essential to protect children from online dangers. By creating a safe digital environment, you can feel more comfortable letting your children own a smartphone.
Smartphones for kids are designed to give parents peace of mind, with features like GPS location tracking and app usage restrictions being prime examples.
Also, by limiting the functions to calls and SMS, it can be specialized as a minimum communication tool. In this way, it is recommended to use a smartphone for children for families who prioritize child safety.
If you're considering getting a smartphone for your child, we recommend au 's online-only brand, povo2.0. povo2.0 allows you to purchase data capacity only for the amount you use, making it ideal for those who want to keep their monthly smartphone costs down. Below, we'll explain why povo2.0 is recommended.
povo2.0 offers two types of plans: "Data Only" and "Calls＋Data." If you don't add Topping, you can use it for a basic fee of 0 yen (*1). Therefore, it is suitable for use as a smartphone for children to use for calls (*2) or as a basic means of communication. Even without adding data or unlimited calling Topping, you can use 128kbps data communication and domestic calls (22 yen/30 seconds).
In addition, the povo2.0 app allows parents to easily manage their children's smartphones and check their Topping fees, reducing worries about usage and fees.
Reference: "We recommend povo2.0 for children's smartphones!" (povo)
*1: If you do not purchase Topping for more than 180 days, your usage may be suspended or your contract may be terminated. 0 yen 0 GB, the maximum sending/receiving speed is 128 kbps. Data Only In the case of *1, initial Topping purchase is required at the time of contract. Calls＋Data In the case of tax included, domestic calls: 22 yen/30 seconds Some calling rates, such as calls to satellite phones, may differ. For more details. In addition, designated call charges apply to calls to phone numbers set up fees by other companies. Sending domestic SMS: tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters) Receiving: Free Up to 670 full-width characters can be sent depending on the model. However, up to 134 characters will be charged for two SMS, and after that, one SMS will be charged for every 67 characters.
・When the data plan is 0 yen and 0GB, the speed will be 128kbps.
・If you have contracts for five lines under the same name (including lines that have been terminated or canceled by us within the past year), a contract administration fee of 3,850 yen (tax included) per line will be charged for the sixth line and beyond.
*2: Calls are limited to calls + data only.
povo2.0 supports both SIM and eSIM, so you can use an old smartphone as a smartphone for your child (*3).
Since there is no need to purchase a new smartphone for your child, you can reduce the cost of the device.
povo2.0 SIM is shipped the next day after signing the contract, so your child can have a smartphone the day after signing the contract. If you use an eSIM, you can start using calls and data communications from the day you sign the contract.
However, to use a SIM or eSIM, the device must be eligible (*4). Eligible devices are smartphones that were previously under contract with au network or SIM-free smartphones. Also, smartphones purchased from docomo or SoftBank before October 2021 may need to have their SIM unlocked.
*3: The activation date and time of the SIM/eSIM will vary depending on the plan you apply for, the type of procedure, and the time of day when you tap the activation button on the povo2.0 app.
・Depending on the volume of applications, it may take some time for the procedure to be completed.
*4: A compatible device is required. Please check the following page for compatible SIM and eSIM devices.
Reference: "Compatible models and devices" (povo)
You can apply for povo2.0 online. Simply enter your personal information and verify your identity on the official website to complete your new contract or switch.
However, please note that all support is available online only, so inquiries must be made through the dedicated app or the official website.
Reference: "Usage Procedure (Calls＋Data)" (povo)
Filtering functions are essential for children's safe online use. povo2.0 supports au 's filtering functions, preventing access to dangerous sites and monitoring browsing history.
The filtering services provided by au include the following:
| Filtering Service | function | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Anshin Filter for au (*5) | ・Filtering function to protect against harmful information - Setting usage time zones to prevent overuse ・Check usage status to see usage status ・Area search to find your location |
Free |
By utilizing these features, you can feel safe letting your child use a smartphone.
*5: When using povo2.0 on an Android smartphone or tablet, Android™ 5.0 or later is required. When using an iPhone or iPad, iOS 9.0 or later is required. Area search is not available.
Please note that the following models are not supported. Please use Google Family Link.
Google Pixel series, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G SCG05, Galaxy Z Flip 5G SCG04, Galaxy Z Flip SCV47, Galaxy Fold SCV44, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G SCG12, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G SCG11
povo2.0 has a basic fee of 0 yen, and you can add Topping to suit your child's smartphone usage, so you can freely customize it within the range of Topping. Below are some example fees plans for using povo2.0 on a child's smartphone.
If you use povo2.0 's unlimited calling Topping, you can make unlimited calls of up to 5 minutes for 550 yen (tax included) per month (*7), or unlimited calls for 1,650 yen (tax included) per month (*7).
Therefore, even those who want their children to have a smartphone but are concerned about the monthly fees can use it with peace of mind.
The following are cases in which we recommend using only the unlimited calling Topping.
Reference: "Unlimited calls within 5 minutes" (povo)
Reference: "Unlimited calls" (povo)
*7: Calls to phone numbers set by other companies starting with 0570 (Navidial, etc.) to fees, number guide (104) (number guide fee is not free, calls to fees are free), administrative 1XY service (188), # dial (Quick Dial), SMS transmission, calls to satellite phones, and calls to phone numbers specified separately by the Company, etc. are not eligible for free calls through this . The Topping service is not available for free calls to international calls and calls made overseas. International calls and incoming/outgoing calls overseas are also not covered. Calling charges are based on the service.
・Call Topping cannot be used with "povo2.0 Data Only."
For 390 yen (tax included), you can add 1GB of data (available for 7 days) to povo2.0. There are also a wide range of data Topping available, from 1GB to 300GB, so you can freely add data according to your child's usage frequency.
Even with only the data Topping, you can make domestic calls (22 yen/30 seconds), so it also functions as a means of communication in emergencies. Furthermore, there are fees for months when Topping is not used, so you can save money depending on how you use it.
The following are cases where we recommend using only data Topping:
Reference:" Topping List" (povo)
With povo2.0, you can combine data communication with unlimited calling. For example, Data Top-up (for 30 days) for 990 yen (tax included) per call and unlimited calls of up to 5 minutes for 550 yen (tax included included) per call, for a total of 1,540 yen (tax included) per month.
The following are cases in which we recommend using the data communication and unlimited Topping.
In this article, we've explained when children should have smartphones, the advantages and disadvantages of having a smartphone for children, and why we recommend au 's online-only brand, "povo2.0." The rate of smartphone ownership among children increases from the upper grades of elementary school to junior high school.
Setting rules and implementing filtering at home is essential to ensure that children use smartphones appropriately. povo2.0 supports au 's Anshin Filter service. If you want to ensure that the smartphone your child uses is both safe and cost-effective, why not consider povo2.0?
