Key Findings of Children’s Digital Engagement Study
- Increased online activities among children aged 5-7
- Rise in smartphone ownership among infant school children
- Growing autonomy in online usage
- Surge in tablet usage
Smartphone and Tablet Usage
A recent study by Ofcom revealed that approximately 24 percent of children aged 5-7 now own smartphones, while three-quarters use tablets.
Online Activities
Children in this age group are engaging more in online activities such as sending messages, making voice or video calls, and watching live-streamed content.
Social Media and Gaming
Social media usage, including platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, has increased among 5 to 7-year-olds. Online gaming, especially shooter games, has also seen a rise in popularity.
Ofcom’s Response
Ofcom is planning to introduce measures to enhance online protection for children, including leveraging AI to detect illegal and harmful content proactively.
Parental Involvement
While many parents use social media alongside their children, a significant number acknowledge their children’s independent usage of these platforms. Despite discussions on online safety, there is a gap in children’s disclosure of harmful online experiences to parents.
Emerging Trends
The study highlighted emerging trends in children’s online behavior, such as passive social media use, preference for short-form content, and interest in soothing sensory videos, especially among girls.
