Discovering the Online Habits of the Next Generation: Insights from a Study of 400,000+ Children Aged 4-18

In today's rapidly changing world, technology plays a major role in shaping the future. And it may come as a surprise, but the next generation of technology leaders, innovators, and visionaries are already here - they are the kids of today. With the widespread availability of technology, children are developing their technological skills and knowledge at a young age, and they are already having a significant impact on the way we use and think about technology.

From online gaming to educational apps and social media, kids are using technology in new and innovative ways. They bring a unique perspective to the world of technology, with their natural curiosity, creativity, and imagination. As a result, kids have the potential to shape the future of technology in a significant way, driving its development and evolution.

Recently, Qustudio, a company specialising in online safety and digital well-being, released a report highlighting children's app usage throughout 2022. The report offers a captivating look into this younger generation and provides insight into trends that are shaping their future. The data used in the report was gathered from over 400,000 families with children aged 4-18 from around the globe, as well as market trends from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia. To better understand device usage, Qustudio broke down the insights into five popular app categories: online video, social media, gaming, education, and communication.

Top apps by daily minutes per user

Roblox won the hearts and mind of kids last year with players engaging in virtual worlds for 3 hours per day. Roblox is an online gaming platform that allows users to create their own games and play games created by other users. It was released in 2006 and is aimed primarily at children and teenagers. The platform offers a wide variety of games, ranging from simulation games and role-playing games to puzzle games and racing games, and has a large community of developers who create and share new games and experiences on a regular basis.

TikTok is the most popular social media app with kids, they spent 18% longer on TikTok in 2022 vs 2021. In addition to keeping up with friends and content creators, kids are starting to replace Google for TikTok to help find answers to their search queries.

Online video trends

Globally, 63% of kids used YouTube. Kids used YouTube to watch their favourite content creators, learn about school subjects and find inspiration for their own content. Globally, kids spent 18% more time watching online video content in 2022 than in 2021. Viewing time for Youtube was up by 20%.

Communication trends

37% of kids globally used WhatsApp for communication followed by Discord and Messages. Discord has seen a consistent growth in usage from 2020 to 2022 , it is also the most blocked communication app by parents. Kids really dislike taking phone calls, preferring online chat over voice chat.

Education trends

Duolingo was the top app used by kids globally followed by Kahoot! and Photomath. Quiz apps is where kids spent most of their time, they spent 13 minutes per day using Kahoot and 11 minutes per day on Quizlet. The school-home connection is becoming more and more important for kids across the world. Applications they use for school will be on the devices they use at home.

Finding a balance

The widespread use of technology among kids is shaping the future of technology and the way it is used, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

On one hand, kids bring a unique perspective to the world of technology. They are often quick to adapt to new technologies and have a natural curiosity about how things work. They also have a unique creativity and imagination that can lead to innovative solutions and applications of technology. As a result, kids have the potential to shape the future of technology in a significant way, driving its development and evolution.

However, on the other hand, the constant exposure to technology also has its drawbacks. Kids can be vulnerable to online dangers such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and exposure to inappropriate content. Additionally, excessive screen time can lead to negative effects on their mental health, including anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns.

It is crucial that parents and educators are aware of these potential dangers and take steps to help kids use technology mindfully. This means setting limits on screen time and encouraging kids to take breaks and engage in physical activity. It also means teaching kids to be critical thinkers, to question what they see and read online, and to be mindful of the impact their online actions can have on others.

Moreover, parents and educators can also help kids develop healthy habits by encouraging them to use technology for educational and creative pursuits, such as coding, making videos, or writing. These activities can help kids to develop critical thinking skills and creativity, while also reducing their exposure to potential dangers.

Kids will play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology. However, it is essential that they use technology mindfully and that we support them in developing healthy habits and critical thinking skills. By doing so, we can ensure that technology serves as a tool for growth, learning, and creativity, rather than a source of negativity and stress.

Link to full report here: https://www.qustodio.com/en/research/qustodio-releases-2022-annual-report