In an increasingly digital world, children are coming online at younger ages, engaging with apps and devices that offer a myriad of opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment. However, recent data highlights some concerning trends regarding the apps children are accessing and the potential risks associated with them.

A comprehensive survey by Qustodio, a parental control software provider, sheds light on the digital habits of young users. The US study, which analysed anonymous data from 180,000 families, offers a deep dive into the app usage patterns of children aged 7 to 18. The findings reveal significant shifts in app preferences as children grow older, but also underscore the early onset of social media usage among the youngest internet users.

Early Exposure to Social Media: A Growing Concern

One of the most striking revelations from the Qustodio report is the extent to which very young children are engaging with social media platforms traditionally thought to be the domain of older users. Among the 7- to 9-year-old demographic, commonly referred to as “iPad kids,” 31% have accessed X (formerly Twitter), a platform known more for political discourse and news than content suited for children. This age group is also accessing Reddit (28%) and Facebook (26%), platforms that can expose them to inappropriate content, including hate speech, pornography, and disinformation.

The reason behind this surprising trend, according to Qustodio, may lie in parents’ lack of awareness. Many parents might not consider these platforms as popular or risky for younger children, leading them to overlook the need for restrictions. Moreover, the integration of X posts in Google Search results could inadvertently draw young users to the platform, driven by curiosity rather than a specific interest in social media.

The Role of Parental Awareness and Control

Qustodio’s data provides a critical perspective on the importance of parental awareness and control. The company’s ability to track real-world app usage offers insights that go beyond traditional surveys, highlighting the actual behaviours of children in a digital environment. It’s clear from the report that while platforms like TikTok and Snapchat are often on parents’ radars, other apps such as X and Reddit might slip through the cracks due to their perceived adult user base.

This gap in awareness can have significant consequences. For instance, X has been documented as having a substantial amount of adult content, with reports suggesting that 13% of all posts contain such material. The inadvertent exposure of young children to such content is a concerning possibility that parents need to consider more seriously.

The Evolution of App Preferences with Age

As children move into the 10- to 12-year-old bracket, their app preferences begin to shift noticeably. While Roblox and YouTube remain dominant, used by 62% and 59% of this age group respectively, social media starts to take a more prominent role. X usage increases to 41%, Reddit to 39%, and Facebook to 36%. The gradual introduction of these platforms at such a young age signals a growing familiarity and comfort with social media, setting the stage for more intensive usage as they enter their teenage years.

By the time they reach the 13- to 15-year-old range, children’s app usage undergoes further transformation. While Roblox usage declines slightly, platforms like Spotify (66%), YouTube (62%), and Amazon Shopping (56%) become increasingly popular. TikTok also gains traction, with 47% of this group using the app for an average of 127 minutes per day, equating to approximately 240 videos, assuming a typical video length of 30 seconds.

Social apps like Snapchat, X, and Reddit continue to see increased adoption, with usage rates of 38%, 44%, and 44% respectively. These platforms now play a central role in the social lives of teens, facilitating communication and engagement in ways that extend beyond traditional messaging.

The Digital Lives of Older Teens

For older teenagers (ages 16 to 18), the digital landscape is dominated by platforms that offer a mix of entertainment, social interaction, and shopping. Spotify leads the pack with 69% of this age group using the app, followed by YouTube (60%) and Amazon (52%).

TikTok remains a significant player, with 42% of teens using the app for an average of 108 minutes per day, while Instagram captures 72 minutes of their daily screen time.

Interestingly, despite the rise of newer platforms, Facebook remains relevant among older teens, with a usage rate of 43%, slightly ahead of X and Reddit, both at 40%.

This suggests that even as newer platforms emerge, older ones retain their place in the digital habits of young users, perhaps due to their evolving features and integration with other apps.