[Children] Changes from 2019: Middle School Students' Smartphone Usage Fee Volume Zone Shifts from "3,000 yen or more" to "1,000-3,000 yen"

Overview

This is a survey report published by NTT DOCOMO Mobile Society Research Institute on "[Children] Changes from 2019: Middle School Students' Smartphone Usage Fee Volume Zone Shifts from '3,000 yen or more' to '1,000-3,000 yen'". It provides a detailed analysis of the trend toward lower smartphone usage fees for children and changes in parental awareness. ## Key Points ### 1. Survey Overview - **Research Organization**: NTT DOCOMO Mobile Society Research Institute - **Publication Date**: July 1, 2025 (announced June 30) - **Survey Subjects**: 1,300 pairs of elementary and middle school students and their parents nationwide - **Survey Period**: November 2024 - **Survey Method**: Visit and leave-behind survey ### 2. Changes in Usage Fees Over Time (2019-2024) - **2019 Situation**: - "3,000 yen or more" was the largest segment - High-cost plans were mainstream - Centered on traditional plans from major carriers - **2024 Situation**: - "1,000-3,000 yen" has become the largest segment - About 60% concentrated in this price range - Clear progression toward lower prices ### 3. Fee Distribution by Grade Level (2024) - **Elementary School Students**: - Under 3,000 yen: 82% - 1,000-3,000 yen: About 50% - Under 1,000 yen: About 32% - **Middle School Students**: - Under 3,000 yen: 65% - 1,000-3,000 yen: About 45% - Under 1,000 yen: About 20% - **Difference from High School**: Fees tend to increase with grade level ### 4. Analysis of Factors Behind Fee Reduction - **Market Environment Changes**: - Spread of budget SIMs and MVNOs - Introduction of low-cost plans by major carriers - Emergence of online-only plans - **Technical Factors**: - Development of Wi-Fi infrastructure - Efficiency in data usage - Utilization of family share plans - **Social Factors**: - Promotion of ICT use in education - Deepening parental understanding - Enhancement of children's plans ### 5. Changes in Parental Awareness - **Evaluation of Fees (2019→2024)**: - "Think it's expensive": Decreased by 21 points - "Think it's reasonable": Increased by 17 points - "Think it's cheap": Increased by 4 points - **Background of Awareness Changes**: - Actual reduction in fees - Recognition of smartphones as necessities - Increased recognition of educational value ### 6. Plan Selection Trends - **Data Capacity**: - Small capacity plans (3GB or less) are mainstream - Video viewing restrictions - Operation assuming Wi-Fi use - **Voice Calls**: - Few subscribe to unlimited calling options - Use of free calling apps like LINE - Utilization of free family calls ### 7. Regional Characteristics - **Urban Areas**: - Stronger low-price orientation - Higher MVNO usage rate - Diversity of options - **Rural Areas**: - Higher dependence on major carriers - Emphasis on store support - Slightly higher fees ### 8. Relationship Between Safety Measures and Fees - **Filtering Services**: - Most are free or low-cost - Progress in standardization - **Monitoring Services**: - Utilization of GPS functions - Limited additional charges - **Usage Restriction Functions**: - Time and app restrictions - Provided as basic functions ### 9. Trends by Carrier - **Major Carriers**: - Expansion of special plans for children - Strengthening family discounts - Year-round student discount campaigns - **MVNOs**: - Further price reductions - Simple plan designs - Online-only services ### 10. Future Outlook - **Short-term Outlook (1-2 years)**: - Increase in plans under 1,000 yen - Flexible data capacity selection - Enhancement of education-linked services - **Medium to Long-term Outlook (3-5 years)**: - Spread of complete flat-rate plans - AI-powered monitoring functions - Integration with educational platforms ### 11. Impact on Educational Settings - **BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)**: - Increased educational use of personal devices - Challenges with communication cost burden - Need for disparity correction - **Online Learning**: - Increased data usage - Ensuring stable communication environment - Need for education-specific plans ### 12. Social Significance and Challenges - **Digital Divide Countermeasures**: - Support for low-income households - Consideration of communication subsidy systems - Ensuring equal opportunities - **Consumer Protection**: - Transparency in fee structures - Appropriate information provision - Trouble prevention measures - **Policy Responses**: - Coordination with educational ICT promotion - Communication infrastructure development - Balance between regulation and competition This survey shows that as children's smartphone use becomes common, market competition has led to lower prices, reducing the economic burden on parents. In the future, promoting educational utilization and establishing appropriate usage environments will become even more important.