Ofcom: Almost a quarter of kids aged 5-7 have smartphones
www.bbc.com
The regulator calls the data a "wake up call", and says parents and industry need to do more.

Nearly a quarter of UK five-to-seven-year-olds now have their own smartphone, Ofcom research suggests.

Social media use also rose in the age group over last year with nearly two in five using messaging service WhatsApp, despite its minimum age of 13.

The communications regulator warned parental enforcement of rules “appeared to be diminishing.”

It also said the figures should be a “wake up call” for the industry to do more to protect children.

In its annual study of children’s relationship with the media and online worlds, Ofcom said the percentage of children aged between five and seven who used messaging services had risen from 59% to 65%.

The number on social media went up from 30% to 38%, while for livestreams it increased from 39% to 50%. Just over 40% are reported to be gaming online - up from 34% the year before.

Over half of children under 13 used social media, contrary to most of the big platforms’ rules, and many admitted to lying to gain access to new apps and services.

  • hazeebabee
    21·
    2 months ago

    I agree it’s all about access and boundries.

    My 2yo neice has a designated smartphone, but she only gets it for short periods. My sister picks the app and locks the phone so that the app cant be exited. For things like going out to dinner, it’s incredibly useful & I don’t think damaging.

    All she watches is miss rachel, lol maybe some bluey or aquarium feeds.

    I think her having a phone is mostly useful so that there is one to give her without worrying about your nice expensive device getting grubby kid hands all over it.