- A Japanese survey reveals over 80% of junior high school students own smartphones, and ownership is increasing among younger children.
- Girls are now, on average, receiving their first smartphones at 9.9 years old, marking the first time the average age has fallen below 10.
- Researchers attribute the trend to increased internet familiarity through school tablets and the growing prevalence of smartphone ownership among peers.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear about something crazy?

B: No, what’s up, Kenji?

A: Apparently, most fifth and sixth graders now have smartphones!

B: Wow, really? That’s so young!

A: Yeah! And girls are getting them even younger. The average age is under ten now!

B: No way! Ten years old? That's even younger than my little cousin!

A: It used to be a bit older, but it's dropping every year. Boys are around ten and a half, but that's also getting lower.

B: I wonder why? Do you think it’s because they use tablets at school now?

A: That’s what they say! Because everyone's online already, kids want their own phones.

B: Makes sense. It's hard to resist, right?

A: Exactly! A researcher said parents need to talk to their kids about using them. Like, make rules together.

B: That's a good idea. It’s about balance, isn't it?



A: Totally!