A recent study shedding light on children’s online habits uncovered a shift in the digital landscape. Children aged 4 through 18 globally spent an average of 112 minutes daily on TikTok in 2023, surpassing the previous year’s 107 minutes. While YouTube retains its title as the leading streaming app among this demographic, TikTok witnessed a 60% increase in usage, prompting speculation around YouTube’s introduction of Shorts. The study, conducted by parent control software creator Qustodio, examined the technology habits of over 400,000 families and schools worldwide, providing insights into the evolving tech engagement of children.
This comprehensive dataset, sourced directly from kids’ real-world technology usage, delves into various global markets, including the U.S., U.K., Spain, Australia, and France. Although the dataset may not fully represent all kids’ digital habits, given its reliance on households and schools using Qustodio’s parental control software, it offers substantial data revealing broader trends in children’s technology interactions.
In a noteworthy move, Qustodio expanded its focus this year to explore kids’ interactions with emerging technologies, particularly AI. Analyzing OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the study found that, with its global launch on iOS in May and Android in July, nearly 20% of kids accessed the site, ranking it as the 18th most-visited site globally. In the U.S., 18.7% of kids explored the site, securing its position at 32nd place overall, while Australia showcased the highest adoption rate, with 24% of kids visiting the site in 2023.
This exploration into children’s tech engagement emphasizes the evolving nature of their digital experiences and highlights the increasing interest in AI-driven platforms among the younger demographic.
Despite Netflix’s price hikes and password restrictions in 2023, it successfully held its ground as the second most favored streaming platform worldwide among children, with 40% of kids utilizing the service. YouTube continued to dominate the realm, securing first place with a commanding 63% of kids using the platform. Disney+ trailed in third place, capturing the attention of 20% of young viewers. Interestingly, Netflix stood out as the sole paid service to witness a surge in popularity year-over-year, in stark contrast to its competitors, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Twitch. The latter, a livestreaming service, experienced a notable dip from 11% to 8% in kids’ usage from 2022 to 2023.
Amid escalating concerns regarding the impact of social media on children, these platforms maintained their popularity in 2023. TikTok retained its global lead, captivating 44% of kids, while Facebook showcased resilience by securing the second spot with 38% usage. The unwavering attraction to social media apps persists, prompting ongoing discussions about their positive and negative influences on the younger generation.