Bill Gates is famously stringent about how his children engage with the technology he helped popularize.
According to a recent Mirror interview, his kids weren’t permitted to have their own cellphone until they reached 14.
He emphasized setting screen time limits, particularly to ensure they get adequate sleep.
While they’re allowed to use phones for academic purposes, gadgets aren’t welcome at the dining table, and notably, Apple products are off-limits due to Gates’ rivalry with Steve Jobs.
This approach may seem tough, yet it aligns with trends indicating kids receive smartphones at increasingly young ages, with the average now around 10 years old.
Experts like Stacy DeBroff and James P. Steyer advocate for age-appropriate access and emphasize individual responsibility and maturity.
PBS Parents outlines crucial considerations before granting a child a phone, highlighting the need for independence, responsibility, and understanding of usage boundaries.
In conclusion, Gates’ strategy reflects a broader conversation on technology’s role in childhood development, prompting parents to assess readiness and balance in introducing digital devices to their children.
