When it comes to modern childhood, smartphones, tablets, and various gadgets come to mind first. The results of a large-scale study conducted by MTS on the occasion of Children's Day confirmed this. According to the study, it was revealed that the internet usage rate among children aged 4 to 14 in Russia is quite high.
Experts note that the average age for a child's first electronic device is around 5 years, while the first gadget with a SIM card appears at approximately 6-8 years old. The high levels of these indicators indicate that the socialization process of children and the importance of digital tools in their daily lives are increasing.
If we focus on internet activity by age groups, analysts believe that children aged 11-14 are the most dependent on the internet. About 39% of children in this age group spend 6-8 hours a day online. Following them, nearly half of the 7-10 age group, or 41%, spend 3-5 hours a day in the online environment. Among the youngest, specifically 4-6 year olds, 43% are reported to use the internet for no more than two hours a day.
The interests of children in the online environment have also been analyzed. Most users in this age group engage in communication on messengers (74%), participate in social networks (71%), play various mobile games (70%), and watch entertaining videos on video services (66%).
The research also provided information on what measures parents are taking regarding their children's internet usage. It was found that 79% of parents limit themselves to explaining potential risks and dangers on the internet to their children. 59% of respondents prefer to set limits on their children's screen time, while 38% regularly check browser history and device activity.
Additionally, another important aspect related to children's activities via phone has been identified. According to the MTS report, each child makes an average of 17 calls to unknown numbers per month. This situation is increasing the need for special technical tools for children's safety in the online environment. MTS is offering solutions to this problem through the "Protector" service, the "Membrana Kids" mobile application, and the "Family Group" function in the "My MTS" app. With these tools, parents can protect their children from online fraud and other negative influences.
Currently, all users who connect to these services on a trial basis until June 6 will have the opportunity to use these tools for free for 30 days. This is a great opportunity for parents, creating favorable conditions for ensuring their children's safe internet environment.
A total of 2000 respondents participated in the MTS study, consisting of parents of children living in cities with populations of over 100,000. The company also conducted analysis based on anonymized data from its subscribers.
As experts have emphasized, living in a close relationship with the digital world has become a natural process for modern children. However, ensuring children's safety in this digital environment and preventing their dependence on the internet is becoming an important issue that requires constant attention from parents. Therefore, starting today, parents should utilize effective methods to monitor their children's lives in the digital world and protect them from risks. This way, they will contribute to their children's growth in a healthy digital environment.
