Some children may have a digital footprint before they are even born, with photos appearing of them before birth, maybe taking selfies on your phone by two and who knows a phone by five years old. What does it mean to be born in generation internet?
23% of children have their picture taken and uploaded before they are even born, while 73% of children will have an online presence by just the age of two years old.
Phones and Tablets
There can be great uses for both phones and tablets, like keeping in contact with extended family or helping with homework, however, what should be the best age for a child to get a phone or a tablet. Some would argue the earlier the better as their future is more likely to involve them, whereas some may say there could be a lasting effect on children, exposing them to too much screens.
It is becoming the norm that children will have access to gadgets at an earlier age. 74% of 8-11 year olds can use a phone or tablet at home for either live streaming and games, while 3.5 million under 8’s have their own tablet. 1 in 10 will get there first phone before they are 5 years old and 63% of children will have their first smartphone before they start secondary school.
Since 2012 the number of 8-11 year olds using tablets to consume online media content on a regular basis has jumped from 13% – 44%.
But where do children think the internet is:
- 30% say its in the computer
- 23% say its everywhere
- 8% say it is in outer space
Researchers say social media enhances 21st-century skills including communication, creativity, collaboration, leadership abilities and technological proficiencies.
- 19% delete their internet history
- 12% have amended settings to use their browser privacy mode
- 6% uninstall filters designed to stop certain websites being visited
- Nearly a third of all parents feel they need more support when it comes to internet safety
Source: Vodafone DP
