2018儿童和父母媒体使用和态度报告（英文版）_18页_1mb

Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report (2018)

Overview

This report by Ofcom provides an in-depth analysis of children's media literacy, focusing on their use of media devices and platforms, attitudes toward media content, and the role of parents in monitoring their children's online activities. It draws on the Children and Parents' Media Literacy Tracker and other research sources to examine how children aged 3-15 interact with media in 2018.

Ofcom is mandated by the Communications Act 2003 to promote and research media literacy. This report contributes to fulfilling that duty by presenting data on media access, usage, and perceptions across different age groups.

Key Findings

• Device Usage: TV sets and tablets remain the dominant media devices for children across all age groups. Smart TVs are increasingly popular, especially among 5-15s.
• Decreasing TV Time: Time spent watching TV on a TV set has decreased for 3-4s, 8-11s, and 12-15s, with more time being spent online and gaming.
• OTT Services: Over half of children aged 5-15 use OTT services (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video), indicating a shift in viewing habits.
• YouTube's Rise: YouTube is becoming the preferred viewing platform, especially for 8-11s, due to its personalized and flexible content.
• Vloggers and Creativity: Vloggers are a growing content source, particularly among 12-15s, and many children are inspired to create their own content.
• Online Gaming: Gaming is increasingly popular, with 75% of 5-15s who play games doing so online. There is a notable gender gap, with boys spending more time gaming than girls.
• Social Media Use: Social media is a significant part of children's lives, with 69% of 12-15s having a profile. It brings both social pressures and positive influences.
• News Consumption: TV and social media are major sources of news for children, but concerns about accuracy and trustworthiness of social media news are rising.
• Awareness of Fake News: Most 12-15s are aware of fake news, with 43% having seen it. However, only a third understand search engine advertising.
• Unwanted Online Experiences: A significant proportion of children have experienced unwanted content or contact online, but most recall being taught about internet safety.
• Screen Time Management: Parents find it increasingly difficult to control screen time, especially for older children, but most believe they have struck a good balance.
• Parental Concerns: Parental concerns about the internet are rising, though some are less likely to moderate their children's activities.

Media Use by Age Group

3-4s

• 1% have a smartphone, 19% have a tablet.
• 96% watch TV on a TV set (14h/week).
• 30% watch TV on other devices (mostly tablets).
• 36% play games (6½h/week).
• 52% go online (9h/week), mostly via tablets.
• 32% watch OTT content.
• 45% use YouTube, mainly for cartoons and funny videos.
• 1% have a social media profile.

5-7s

• 5% have a smartphone, 42% have a tablet.
• 97% watch TV on a TV set (13½h/week).
• 44% watch TV on other devices.
• 63% play games (7½h/week).
• 82% go online (9½h/week), mostly via tablets.
• 49% watch OTT content.
• 70% use YouTube, mainly for cartoons and funny videos.
• 4% have a social media profile.

8-11s

• 35% have a smartphone, 47% have a tablet.
• 94% watch TV on a TV set (13h/week).
• 43% watch TV on other devices.
• 74% play games (10h/week).
• 93% go online (13½h/week), with 45% using tablets and 24% using mobiles.
• 43% watch OTT content.
• 77% use YouTube, mainly for funny videos and music.
• 18% have a social media profile.
• 40% of mobile owners are allowed to take their devices to bed, compared to 28% of tablet owners.

12-15s

• 83% have a smartphone, 50% have a tablet.
• 90% watch TV on a TV set (13½h/week).
• 62% watch TV on other devices.
• 76% play games (13¾h/week).
• 99% go online (20½h/week), with 53% using mobiles and 23% using tablets.
• 58% watch OTT content.
• 89% use YouTube, mainly for funny videos and music.
• 69% have a social media profile.
• 71% of mobile owners are allowed to take their devices to bed, compared to 61% of tablet owners.

Trends and Insights

• Shift in Viewing Preferences: YouTube is becoming the preferred platform for content, especially for 8-11s, due to its personalization and flexibility.
• Vloggers Influence: Vloggers are a significant source of content and inspiration, with many children aspiring to create their own content.
• Social Media Dynamics: While social media is a major source of news and social interaction, it also brings challenges like cyberbullying and pressure to appear popular.
• Internet Safety Awareness: Children are generally aware of internet safety advice, but some still expose themselves to risks by keeping profiles public or allowing strangers to connect.
• Fake News Awareness: Most 12-15s are aware of fake news, but understanding of advertising and sponsored content remains low.
• Screen Time Balance: Although controlling screen time is harder, most children believe they have a good balance between online and offline activities.
• Parental Concerns: Parents are increasingly concerned about the internet, though they are less likely to actively moderate their children's activities.

Conclusion

This report highlights the evolving media landscape for children in the UK, with a clear shift from traditional TV to digital platforms like YouTube and OTT services. It underscores the importance of media literacy, especially in navigating the complexities of online content and interactions. While children are more connected and exposed to diverse media, they also face challenges such as misinformation, unwanted experiences, and social pressures. Parents are becoming more aware of these issues, but balancing screen time and ensuring safe online experiences remains a challenge.