A recent report by Upworthy on December 1, 2023, tech giant Bill Gates opened up about his strict stance on technology use within his own family. Gates revealed that his kids weren’t allowed smartphones until they hit 14, citing worries about too much screen time affecting sleep.
Setting clear boundaries, Gates emphasized a no-screen-time rule after a certain hour to ensure a reasonable bedtime. Additionally, he mentioned a ban on phones at the dining table but allowed their use for educational purposes.
Even though Gates’ children, aged 20, 17, and 14, are now smartphone eligible, they still can’t have Apple products due to Gates’ historic rivalry with Steve Jobs.
Gates’ decision aligns with a growing trend among parents to delay their children’s smartphone ownership. A 2016 report suggests the current average age for a child’s first smartphone is 10.3 years, a number expected to decrease as parents seek alternatives to handing over their own devices.
Stacy DeBroff, CEO of Influence Central, predicts a younger trend, noting parents’ fatigue in giving their smartphones to kids. James P. Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, agrees, emphasizing the importance of considering a child’s maturity level over age.
PBS Parents offers key questions for parents to consider before gifting their child a smartphone. Factors include the child’s independence, safety and social needs, responsibility level, and ability to adhere to usage limits and avoid disruptive behavior.
