The technology available to the youngest children is evolving rapidly, according to the results of a new survey from Common Sense Media.
The survey of more than 1400 parents of children 8 and younger found access to mobile devices and time spent on those devices had increased dramatically from the last survey done two years ago.
Key Findings
- Those families that own an iPad increased from 8% in 2011 to 40% in 2013.
- 61% of children watch educational television programs, compared to 38% who use mobile educational apps and 34% who use educational games.
- 58% of parents said media use has no effect on the amount of time families spend together.
Visit Common Sense Media for the full Infographic
The results show that although television still reigns supreme in younger children’s lives, mobile technology, in particular, is catching up fast. The research points to continued problems with digital divide (although far less than the report two years ago indicated).
Common Sense Media produced an infographic that has the highlights of the survey.
According to some within Common Sense Media, the results should be seen as a wakeup call to parents and educators.
“Understanding what kids are using, how they’re using it, and how much time they spend on it can help lead to better products, better parenting, and better public policies,” Caroline Knorr, Common Sense Media’s parenting editor, blogged about the results. “Media can have a profound effect -– both positive and negative — on kids. If a 2-year-old can swipe a screen, we owe it to kids to create media and technology that maximizes the positives.”
This was the second time the group has conducted this study. The first was completed in 2011.
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