In a digital age dominated by connectivity, the latest research from Ofcom reveals a significant surge in online activity among 5-7-year-olds. Compared to the same survey conducted by Ofcom last year, a notable increase has been observed in various online behaviors within this age group.

A higher proportion of 5-7-year-olds are utilising online platforms for messaging or voice/video calls, with figures rising from 59% to 65%. Similarly, the consumption of live-streamed content has seen a substantial uptick, climbing from 39% to 50%.

The overall usage of social media sites or applications among 5-7-year-olds has experienced a notable year-on-year increase, surging from 30% to 38%. Particularly noteworthy is the growth witnessed across platforms such as WhatsApp (29% to 37%), TikTok (25% to 30%), Instagram (14% to 22%), and Discord (2% to 4%) within this demographic.

Gaming continues to be one of the steadiest growing industry’s in the world so it’s no surprise, perhaps, that the prevalence of online gaming among 5-7-year-olds has shown a significant annual rise, with figures escalating from 34% to 41%. Of significance is the increase in children within this age bracket engaging in shooter games, which has surged from 10% to 15%.

While approximately two in five parents of 5-7-year-olds (42%) report co-engagement with their children on social media platforms, a notable proportion (32%) indicate their child’s independent usage. Moreover, there has been an increase in parents willing to permit their child to possess social media profiles before reaching the stipulated minimum age requirement, rising from 25% to 30%.

How engaged are parents with their kids and what does the regulation say?
A substantial majority of parents of 5-7-year-olds who engage in online activities (76%) acknowledge having discussions with their children regarding online safety, with over half (56%) doing so on a recurring basis.

Furthermore, the research highlights a disparity between older children’s exposure to potentially harmful online content and their disclosure to parents, underscoring the importance of fostering open communication channels.

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Against the backdrop of heightened online engagement among children, Ofcom is poised to launch consultations on comprehensive regulatory proposals aimed at bolstering child safety in the digital sphere. These initiatives encompass the formulation of a Children’s Safety Code of Practice and the exploration of automated detection tools, including AI, to mitigate risks associated with illegal and harmful online content.

Beyond statistical insights, qualitative research reveals compelling behavioral trends among children, including a shift towards passive social media consumption, the prevalence of stimulating short-form video content, and a growing interest in autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) videos, particularly among girls.