More and More Primary School Children Own Mobiles or Tablets
Even without the ability to read, many children are navigating social media unsupervised, presenting significant dangers.
The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has released shocking data, suggesting that children are practically born with phones and tablets in their hands. According to their latest figures, 24% of children aged 5-7 now have their own mobile phones, while 76% use tablets.
More alarmingly, Ofcom has reported an increase from 30% last year to 38% this year in the percentage of children using chat and social media apps. Usage of WhatsApp has risen from 29% to 37%, TikTok from 25% to 30%, and Instagram from 14% to 22%. Furthermore, the proportion of preschoolers and primary school children participating in online games has increased by seven points to 41%, and those playing shooting games have increased by five points to 15%.
Of the 5-7 year-olds using social media, 42% do so under parental supervision, while 32% browse content without any supervision.
Ofcom believes the situation necessitates further enhancement of children's online safety. The Online Safety Act passed by the British Parliament in September last year is considered insufficient for protecting this age group. Consequently, in May, the regulator plans to consult with major tech companies, presenting a code of conduct designed to improve children's protection and seeking constructive feedback from their representatives.
The authority aims to shield young children from legal but inappropriate content.
In a related development, the UK's Department for Education recently proposed a complete ban on mobile phone use in educational institutions.
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More alarmingly, Ofcom has reported an increase from 30% last year to 38% this year in the percentage of children using chat and social media apps. Usage of WhatsApp has risen from 29% to 37%, TikTok from 25% to 30%, and Instagram from 14% to 22%. Furthermore, the proportion of preschoolers and primary school children participating in online games has increased by seven points to 41%, and those playing shooting games have increased by five points to 15%.
Of the 5-7 year-olds using social media, 42% do so under parental supervision, while 32% browse content without any supervision.
Ofcom believes the situation necessitates further enhancement of children's online safety. The Online Safety Act passed by the British Parliament in September last year is considered insufficient for protecting this age group. Consequently, in May, the regulator plans to consult with major tech companies, presenting a code of conduct designed to improve children's protection and seeking constructive feedback from their representatives.
The authority aims to shield young children from legal but inappropriate content.
In a related development, the UK's Department for Education recently proposed a complete ban on mobile phone use in educational institutions.
For more interesting tech news, follow Origo Techbase's Facebook page by clicking here!
Translation:
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