Bill Gates revealed that he established as a rule for his three children — Jennifer, Rory and Phoebe Gates — that none of them was given permission to have a phone before the age of 14. This decision was described as "strict" by the article, contrasting with the reality of many families where the first smartphone arrives increasingly early.
The rule did not mean a total ban on technology at home. The Gates family set limits related to device use and sought to identify when screen time became excessive. There were also specific moments when phones were not allowed, such as during meals at the table.
Specialists cited in the article highlight that maturity and the ability to follow rules should be considered in the decision to give a child a phone, not just the age. The individual need of each child should also be taken into account, such as whether they travel alone. More important than handing over a smartphone, the specialists point out, is setting rules in advance about schedules, applications, social media and screen time.
Bill Gates' position did not represent opposition to technology, but rather the intention to establish clear limits and gradually introduce devices into his children's lives, rather than providing them with unrestricted access from a very young age. The article states that the Microsoft founder's experience shows that even one of the most well-known figures in the tech sector considered it important to set a clear boundary for his own children.
