Children’s ombudsman pushing for age limit guideline for smartphones

The government should implement age guidelines for owning a smartphone. This should be after discussions are held with parents and children, Children’s Ombudsman Margrite Kalverboer said, shortly before the coalition government collapsed on Tuesday, in an interview with BNR. “Parents are struggling with this. They are wondering what a responsible age is to give their child a smartphone.”

There is currently not a piece of clear advice given regarding possession of a smartphone, said Kalverboer. “You see unrest about this in the schoolyard, between parents and in society. That is why I am calling on the government to develop age guidelines because nothing is as bad for children as uncertainty. We did the same concerning alcohol usage.”

Kalverboer would not make any comments about what she feels is the right age to own a smartphone. “Whether the advice is 12, 13, or 14, that is something that the government has to decide with social organizations, specialists, parents, and the children themselves. Children are very good at judging what is good for them and what isn’t.”

According to Klaverboer, a government commission to research the issue is unnecessary. She also thinks this would take too long. “It is an issue that requires clarity quickly,” she said to BNR.