Understanding 2024's Children App Usage Trends: Insights from Qustodio's Report
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding children's interactions with technology has become paramount. Qustodio's recent report, titled 'The Digital Dilemma: Childhood at a Crossroads,' marks the sixth installment in its series examining young users' app habits. This year, the report draws on data collected from over 400,000 family homes across key global markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Australia. Furthermore, insights from 10,000 schools in the US, UK, and Australia contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of device usage among youth for 2024.
The findings reveal that children around the globe are spending, on average, two hours daily on TikTok – a notable 7% increase from the previous year. Among these, kids in the UK and US dominate the usage statistics, averaging 134 and 132 minutes, respectively. In a parallel observation, Instagram usage saw a significant spike, rising by 25% to an average of 79 minutes daily; American kids, notably, logged 89 minutes each day on the platform.
The dynamics of communication apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp further illustrate children's shifting preferences. Data shows that kids spend an astonishing 4.1 times longer communicating on Snapchat compared to WhatsApp, with Snapchat usage hitting an average of 78 minutes per day worldwide. In the US and UK, this figure climbs even higher, reaching 90 and 97 minutes, respectively.
Another notable observation is children in the US watching YouTube the most, averaging 86 minutes daily, a stark contrast to their Spanish counterparts, who spent about half that time on the platform. Roblox also emerged as a favorite, with American children engaging in the game for over 2.5 hours daily, indicating a 9% growth from 2023.
Parents are increasingly involved in their children’s digital lives, as nearly a third reported giving their kids a smartphone at the age of 12. However, a concerning 16% admitted to providing one at 10 or even younger. Challenges faced during this transition prompted nearly half of the parents surveyed to express a desire to alter the age they initially introduced their children to smartphones.
Qustodio's CEO, Viktorija Miliajeva, emphasizes the complexities surrounding children's device use and online safety, particularly in the context of social media. "No single solution can cater to all families; the journey towards digital wellbeing is undoubtedly intricate. Nevertheless, fostering open discussions, education, and prudent monitoring presents a pathway for families to navigate technology's benefits while arming their children against its inherent challenges," she states.
The full report is now accessible for reading and downloading on Qustodio's platform, positioning itself as an essential resource for families striving to cultivate healthier digital environments for children. With its reach spanning over 180 countries and facilitating the protection of more than 7 million families, Qustodio remains a leader in promoting safe online practices for children, ensuring future generations can interact with technology securely and mindfully.