Children and technology - Statistics & Facts
With technology playing a major role in people’s lives, children are becoming exposed and learning how to use it at increasingly younger ages. In most societies around the world, children use electronic devices daily; for instance, when they watch TV or videos, play video games on gaming consoles, or surf the internet on smartphones or PCs. On the one hand, children’s use of technology has its advantages, such as the development of digital literacy skills and multitasking, as well as the ability to connect with family and social groups sharing the same interests. However, it is known that the use of certain technologies by children can also have negative effects. For example, health and social interaction issues, exposure to harmful content, and cyberbullying. For these reasons, parents should try to create a healthy and safe digital environment for their children.
American children engage in many media activities on electronic devices, such as watching TV and online videos, playing games, and video chatting. In 2021, over 62 percent of them watched TV daily, while 30 percent surfed the internet every day. Furthermore, social media platforms play a large role in American children’s lives, with TikTok and Snapchat being the most popular platforms, on which they spent around 99 and 84 minutes respectively each day on average in that same year.
Consumption in the United States
In the United States, children and teens have access to all kinds of electronic devices in their homes, such as smart TVs and video game consoles. Subscription streaming devices and VR headsets have been gaining in popularity in recent years and have become more common in American households. Moreover, almost all children between the ages of 13 and 18 own a smartphone, while most of them have also a tablet or PC.American children engage in many media activities on electronic devices, such as watching TV and online videos, playing games, and video chatting. In 2021, over 62 percent of them watched TV daily, while 30 percent surfed the internet every day. Furthermore, social media platforms play a large role in American children’s lives, with TikTok and Snapchat being the most popular platforms, on which they spent around 99 and 84 minutes respectively each day on average in that same year.
