Surge in Smartphone and Social Media Use Among UK Children as Young as 3

A new report from Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, reveals a concerning trend of rapidly increasing smartphone ownership and social media use among very young children. The study found that nearly a quarter of children aged 3-4 now own their own smartphones, while half of those under 13 are active on social media platforms.

The data shows a significant jump in social media usage among 5-7 year olds, rising from 30% last year to 38% currently. This age group is also increasingly using messaging apps like WhatsApp and watching live content online. Tablet use is also prevalent, with 76% of 5-7 year olds regularly using these devices.

While many parents use social media together with their young children, a third report their child using these platforms independently. More kids are creating their own profiles on sites like YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram, often bypassing age restrictions. In fact, 40% of 8-17 year olds admit to giving a fake age to access social media.

Why this matters: The widespread use of smartphones and social media among very young children raises serious concerns about their mental health, wellbeing, and exposure to age-inappropriate content. Experts warn that this trend poses a "profound risk" to kids' development. The UK government is now considering drastic measures like banning mobile phone sales to under-16s and raising the minimum social media age to 16.

Ofcom's research also highlights a worrying disconnect between children's online experiences and what they share with parents. While 32% of 8-17 year olds report seeing upsetting content online, only 20% of parents are aware of this. Additionally, a quarter of older teens struggle to distinguish real content from fake online.

Campaigners are urgently calling for stricter enforcement of age limits by social media companies and for parents to delay giving kids smartphones until around age 16. The Online Safety Act aims to hold tech firms accountable, with steep fines and potential jail time for executives who fail to protect children on their platforms.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 25% of UK children aged 3-4 own a smartphone, up sharply.
• Half of UK children under 13 are active on social media platforms.
• Social media use among 5-7 year olds rose from 30% to 38% in a year.
• 40% of 8-17 year olds admit to lying about their age to access social media.
• UK govt considering banning phone sales to under-16s and raising social media age to 16.