TOKYO - As smartphones become a normal part of childhood, many Japanese families are struggling with when to give them to their children and how to set effective rules around their use.
According to a recent segment of "Today’s Price Tag", which explores everyday expenses to uncover social trends, the average monthly cost for a child’s smartphone in Japan is 3,710 yen. The figure reflects a growing reality: more students are now using smartphones—and at an earlier age—than ever before.
The most common starting point is the first year of junior high school, with 22.7% of users beginning at this stage. This is followed by first-grade and sixth-grade elementary students—children typically entering new phases in life when receiving a smartphone becomes more common.
Commentator Kinoshita, whose son has just entered junior high, said he is still unsure about allowing him to have a smartphone. "He tells me, 'Everyone else already has one,' but I remember using that same line myself when I was a kid," he joked. Still, he acknowledged that having a smartphone can be convenient for activities like attending lessons alone or playing outside.
The reasons for giving children smartphones vary by age. For elementary schoolers, the main purpose is communication, such as phone calls with family. Among junior high students, phones are increasingly necessary for maintaining friendships and social contact.
But with smartphone use comes the risk of trouble, prompting many families to set clear rules. Educational service provider Benesse has published sample guidelines to help families do just that. These rules cover usage times, charging locations, and even written agreements like, "If I break the rules, I won’t complain when my phone is taken away." Children are often asked to sign these agreements to reinforce their commitment.
Still, compliance is far from guaranteed. In fact, surveys show that many children admit to breaking the rules. When asked how many students actually disobey family smartphone rules, responses revealed that 58% of fourth to sixth graders had done so. The number may seem surprisingly low—but it highlights a persistent challenge for parents.
Instead of reacting with anger, Kinoshita—who shares his parenting experiences on Instagram—has tried to find alternative approaches. In one video, he playfully redirects his child’s sulking by asking what color cotton candy they wanted. The shift in tone brings the child from frustration to laughter within moments.
"It only works when I’ve got the emotional energy," he admitted. "Honestly, I end up losing my temper just as often as that 58% who break the rules."
Asked about his parenting approach, Kinoshita said, "Rather than just scolding them, I try to ask why they did something wrong. Maybe it came from curiosity—and that’s not a bad thing. I try to find the positive side and acknowledge it, even if I can’t always do it perfectly."
In the end, building daily dialogue and trust with children may be the most effective rule of all.
Source: TBS
