A new report shows that almost a quarter of UK young people aged five to seven now own a smartphone.
“Around a quarter of children aged 5-7 (24%) now own a smartphone, while three-quarters use a tablet (76%),” Ofcom reported, adding: “Compared to a year ago, a higher proportion of 5-7 year olds (24%) 7 go online to send messages or make voice/video calls (59% to 65%) or to stream content (39% to 50%).
Ofcom also found that “overall use of social media sites or apps among children aged 5 to 7 has increased”, with WhatsApp usage increasing from 29% to 37%, TikTok from 25% to 30% and Instagram from 14% to 22%. .
The study also found that while 42% of parents reported that their children used social media, 32% said their children used social media independently.
“I think it’s a wake-up call for [the] industry. They want the users they have, not the users their terms and situations say they have,” Mark Bunting, a member of Ofcom’s online protection group, told BBC News. “We’ve known for a long time that children, who haven’t reached the age limit set for many of the most popular apps, use those apps widely, and corporations now have a legal responsibility to take steps to keep those kids safe. “.
The UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Michelle Donelan, also responded to Ofcom’s findings saying: “Children as young as five do not have access to social media and those grim findings show why our Online Safety Act is essential. “
The Online Safety Act “contains a diversity of measures designed for online protection in the UK, adding obligations for web platforms to put systems and processes in place to manage destructive content on their sites, adding illegal content,” according to the UK government’s website.
Movieguide® has reported in the past on the Online Safety Act:
Now more than ever, we are bombarded by darkness in the media, movies, and television. Movieguide® has struggled for nearly 40 years, operating within Hollywood to push for uplifting and positive content. We are proud to say that we collaborated with some of the biggest players in the industry to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. However, the most influential user in Hollywood is you. The spectator.
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Now more than ever, we are bombarded by darkness in the media, movies, and television. Movieguide® has struggled for nearly 40 years, operating within Hollywood to push for uplifting and positive content. We are proud to say that we collaborated with some of the biggest players in the industry to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. However, the most influential user in Hollywood is you. The spectator.
What you pay attention to, look at, and read has power. Movieguide® needs to give you the resources you want to empower smart and beautiful people. But we can’t do it alone. We want your support.
You can make a difference with just $7. It only takes a moment. If you can, support our ministry with a monthly donation. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax-deductible.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 non-profit organization. We can only make a difference because of your generous support. DONATE TODAY!