Planning to get your child their first smartphone? IWM is looking for families to take part in a unique study

When is the right time for a child to get their first smartphone? This is a question that concerns many families – yet, surprisingly, there is still very little scientifically reliable information available on the subject. That is why the IWM is launching the SMARTKIDS study. We are looking for around 500 families who are facing this decision and would like to play an active role in shaping research on this highly topical issue affecting everyday life.

A decision that concerns many families

Getting their first smartphone is a big step for children: it gives them greater independence, makes them more accessible and increases their social engagement. At the same time, many parents wonder what impact having their own device might have on their children’s daily lives, well-being, learning and self-regulation. A recent article in DIE ZEIT, which included interviews with the researchers behind the study, highlights just how much public interest there is in this issue.

Reliable data rather than blanket recommendations

However, SMARTKIDS does not focus on the debate surrounding bans or blanket recommendations, but rather on the need for reliable evidence. The research team led by Prof. Dr. Garvin Brod, head of the Individual Development and Adaptive Learning lab, is investigating how owning a smartphone affects children’s psychological development and well-being.

“Many families are faced with the decision of when their child should get their first smartphone and what to look out for – but so far without a truly reliable scientific basis. With SMARTKIDS, we want to close precisely this gap,” says Garvin Brod.

SMARTKIDS is a globally unique randomised controlled trial that systematically investigates the effects of smartphone ownership on children’s psychological development and well-being. The study aims to establish a foundation for better understanding the opportunities, risks and potential protective factors involved.

How the study works

We are looking for families with children in the 3rd or 4th year of primary school who are considering buying their child their own smartphone in the near future. As part of the study, a random selection will determine when, within a set period, the child receives the smartphone. Over a twelve-month period, children and parents will complete several short questionnaires. In addition, anonymised usage data will be collected via a study app. This will enable the research team to evaluate not only the views of children and parents, but also objective data on smartphone use.

Families wanted: participation and recommendation

By taking part, families make an important contribution to an issue that affects many parents, schools and decision-makers: under what conditions can a child’s first steps with a smartphone be successful – and where do the risks lie?

Interested families can register for the SMARTKIDS study with no obligation. Families whose child is currently in the 3rd or 4th year of primary school and who are considering buying their child their own smartphone this year are eligible to take part. Teachers, parent representatives, schools and other key figures are also invited to draw the attention of families in their community to the study.

As a thank you for taking part, all families will receive Wunschgutscheine worth up to 75 euros. In addition, at the end of the data collection phase, the researchers will provide individual feedback on the child’s smartphone use upon request.

To the ZEIT articel: "Die meisten haben spätestens in der fünften Klasse das erste Handy"