In as we speak’s digital age, kids are more and more uncovered to on-line content material and communication platforms. As educators and oldsters, it’s essential to remain knowledgeable about their on-line experiences and assist them navigate the digital panorama safely.
Yearly, OFCOM produce a report that appears at kids’s web use and attitudes to media, and the 2024 report has simply been revealed. Right here’s a few of the findings:
1. Smartphone Possession and Pill Use
- Smartphones: Virtually 1 / 4 of youngsters aged 5 to seven now personal a smartphone. This development highlights the necessity for early discussions about accountable smartphone use and digital etiquette.
- Tablets: Three-quarters of youngsters on this age group use pill computer systems. Tablets present entry to academic apps and leisure, however dad and mom ought to monitor display time and content material consumption.
- A 3rd of youngsters don’t have steady entry to an applicable gadget at house for studying.
2. Social Media and Messaging
3. Dwell-Streamed Content material
- Half of youngsters aged 5 to seven now watch live-streamed content material, up from 39% beforehand. Focus on the potential dangers related to stay streaming, reminiscent of publicity to inappropriate materials or contact with strangers.
4. Supervision and Media Literacy
Mother and father play an important function in monitoring and managing their kids’s media use. Understanding what kids entry on-line permits dad and mom to deal with any issues promptly.
- Three quartersof dad and mom discuss to youthful kids about staying secure on-line.
- A 3rd of fogeys let their 5-7 12 months outdated use social media unsupervised.
- Solely a 3rd of aprents know the proper minimal age necessities for many social media platforms.
- Kids, notably women could be inclined to influencer advertising.
- Many kids wrestle to recognise internet advertising through search engines like google and yahoo.
Conclusion
As educators and oldsters, we should strike a stability between embracing expertise’s advantages and safeguarding our youngsters. By staying knowledgeable and fostering open communication, we will empower younger learners to navigate the digital world confidently.
For extra detailed insights, you may confer with Ofcom’s full report on kids’s media use and attitudes. Keep in mind that ongoing analysis and dialogue are important to making sure a constructive on-line expertise for our youngsters.
