The use of smartphones among young children in the UK is on the rise, according to new research from Ofcom. The study suggests that nearly a quarter of five-to-seven-year-olds now have their own smartphone, with social media use also increasing in this age group.
Despite the minimum age requirement of 13 for messaging service WhatsApp, nearly two in five children in this age group are using the platform. The regulator has expressed concern over the diminishing parental enforcement of rules and has called for the industry to do more to protect children online.
The report also highlights the growing number of children using social media, livestreams, and online gaming. Over half of children under 13 are using social media, in violation of platform rules, and many admitted to lying to gain access to new apps and services.
Mark Bunting from Ofcom’s Online Safety Group emphasized the need for companies to take steps to keep children safe online. Some campaigners are calling for age limits on smartphone use and for existing age restrictions on social media to be raised.
Parents are facing challenges in monitoring their children’s online activities, with many feeling pressured to give their children smartphones due to peer influence. However, some parents, like Heather Bryson’s father, believe in closely supervising their children’s online interactions to ensure their safety.
As the debate over children’s access to smartphones and social media continues, Ofcom is consulting on steps to ensure safer online experiences for children and exploring the use of AI to combat harmful content online.