Today's kids are immersed in screens. Movie screens. Smartphone screens. Tablet screens. TV screens. Computer screens. Laptop screens.
It's the world they live in and interacting with screens is as natural as breathing for them.
Here are some recent stats that show just how much today's kids (ages 5 to 15) interact with screens.
It's important to know these key findings as you look for ways to connect with today's kids and parents.
How kids get online:
70% use tablets.
69% use a laptop or notebook.
65% use smartphones.
41% play games.
37% use their smart TV.
28% use a desktop computer.
What are kids viewing online?
80% funny videos, pranks or challenges.
61% watch music videos.
47% watch game tutorials, walk-throughs or watching other people play games.
45% watch cartoons, animation, mini-movies or songs.
44% watch vloggers or influencers.
41% watch videos that help with schoolwork or homework.
39% watch "how to" videos about hobbies or other things they are interested in.
28% watch film trailers and clips from programs.
26% watch entire films.
19% watch sport's clips.
Where are kids watching and posting content?
39% of 5-7-year-olds and 75% of 12-15-year-olds post or share content on VSPs (video service provider).
87% of kids watch YouTube. 23% of kids upload videos on YouTube.
47% of kids watch TikTok and 26% post content on TikTok.
37% interact with Instagram and 22% upload content.
34% are on Facebook and 20% post or upload on Facebook.
33% are on Snapchat and 22% put content on the app.
Multi-screening.
25% say they use their smart phone or tablet while they are also watching TV or doing their homework.
What are kids watching?
81% watch NetFlix.
50% watch Prime.
43% watch the Disney Channel.
5% watch Apple TV.
Online Gaming:
57% play on their own. Against the games console/player/computer
52% play against or with someone they know.
25% play against or with people they didn't know or haven't met.
Levels of concern by parents:
Content or apps child visits - 48%
How much time child spends online - 53%
Child giving out personal information - 50%
Child being bullied - 54%
Pressure to spend money online - 46%
Companies collecting information about child - 57%
As you have read these stats, here are some questions to think about:
- What are the best social media platforms to communicate well with parents?
- How can you use social media to get your take home papers / follow-up materials into the hands of parents?
- Look at the top videos kids are watching on NetFlix and other apps. What can you learn from this content? Why is this content appealing to children?
- How can you equip parents to help their children stay safe online?
*stats came from a report by Making Sense of Media