Kids’ Digital Media Habits in 2023: A Comprehensive Overview

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, understanding how children interact with technology has become imperative for parents and educators alike. Qustodio, a leading provider of parental control software, unveils its comprehensive report, shedding light on the digital habits of children aged 4 to 18 worldwide in 2023. Delve into the captivating findings and gain valuable insights into the ever-changing digital world of children.

Key Findings

1. TikTok’s Reign Continues: The Short Video King

TikTok has cemented its position as the most popular short video app among children, captivating their attention for an average of 112 minutes daily. This staggering engagement reflects a remarkable growth from the previous year, where children spent 107 minutes per day on the platform.

2. YouTube, the Streaming Giant, Faces Competition

Despite TikTok’s dominance in the short video realm, YouTube remains the undisputed leader in streaming, with a staggering 63% of children using the platform. However, YouTube Kids, a dedicated app for younger viewers, has witnessed a commendable 14% growth in watch time, reaching an average of 96 minutes per day.

3. AI Tools Gaining Ground: ChatGPT’s Meteoric Rise

Qustodio’s report ventures into the realm of emerging technologies, highlighting the increasing adoption of AI tools among children. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a groundbreaking language model, has gained significant traction, with nearly 20% of children globally accessing the website in 2023.

4. Streaming Services Face Challenges: Netflix’s Decline

While children spent more time watching streaming services overall, some platforms encountered a decline in viewership. Netflix, despite price hikes and a crackdown on password sharing, remained the second most popular streamer but experienced a 4% decrease in watch time. Disney+ and Hulu also faced similar challenges.

5. Social Media Apps Endure: TikTok Leads the Pack

Despite concerns about the potential harms of social media, these platforms retained their immense popularity among children in 2023. TikTok maintained its position as the most widely used social media app globally, with 44% of kids using it. Facebook, with its enduring appeal, came in second, with 38% usage.

6. Messaging Apps: WhatsApp’s Dominance, Snapchat’s Time Spent

Meta’s WhatsApp maintained its reign as the most popular messaging app among children globally, with 37% usage. However, Snapchat emerged as the app that children spent the most time on, averaging 74 minutes per day, significantly higher than its competitors.

7. Gaming Apps: Roblox and Minecraft, the Unstoppable Duo

Roblox continued to be the most popular gaming app among children, with 48% usage and an impressive average daily playtime of 130 minutes. Minecraft, another beloved sandbox game, followed closely, boasting a significant user base.

8. Learning Apps Thrive: Duolingo Tops the List

Educational apps remained an essential part of children’s digital lives. Google Classroom, a widely used platform for online learning, saw significant usage. Duolingo, a language-learning app, emerged as the top educational app among children, followed by Photomath, Kahoot!, Quizlet, Simply Piano, and Brainly.

Parental Guidance and Future Trends

The report emphasizes the crucial role of parents in managing and monitoring their children’s technology use. It advocates for open communication, setting clear boundaries, and fostering a healthy relationship with technology. Additionally, it highlights the expected growth of AI tools and urges parents to stay informed about these emerging technologies.

Conclusion

Qustodio’s comprehensive report offers a valuable glimpse into the digital habits of children in 2023. With TikTok’s dominance, YouTube’s resilience, and the growing adoption of AI tools, the report paints a picture of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Parents and educators must stay informed about these trends and work together to ensure that children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Embrace the digital age with knowledge, guidance, and a commitment to nurturing children’s digital well-being.