Kids have no difficulty finding content on their own. They have access to so many resources that it has become a piece of cake. Kids know what they want and where to find it. They don’t need their parents for that anymore.

Changing behaviour

Kids are done with watching regular tv and waiting for something fun to come on. They know what they want and will actively search for it. Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube Kids are very popular among children. According to Childswise associate research director: “Parents have always played a huge role in curating what [under-fives] consume and how their time is spent, but toddlers are now confidently navigating digital platforms for themselves and using touchscreen devices with purpose and determination.”

Corona also has a big influence on the amount of time kids spend online. The “2021 Childwise Monitor Report” has revealed a significant spike in time spent online during the pandemic, with kids using platforms like YouTube and TikTok to cope. The biggest increase was among 11- to 12-year-olds, who are now spending 4.2 hours a day online. Corona has also had an influence on how parents spend their time. Research shows that half of the parents reported they were more likely to watch content, do crafts, bake or spend time with their kids on a tablet during the lockdown. In fact, 75% of respondents said they spent more time together as a family in general in 2020.

Instagram for Kids

Companies know that Generation Alpha is very active online and are finding new ways to reach them. Soon there will be an Instagram for kids. It should be a safe variant for kids. But is it really safe? Aren’t there specific reasons why kids under the age of thirteen are not allowed on the current platform? The app is supposed to make it much more difficult for adults to follow or get in touch with kids. The announcement of this new app is very concerning for a lot of people. How will Instagram make sure kids are safe if they can’t make it happen right now? They are a lot of complaints that Instagram isn’t protecting its users properly. Adults can protest all they want, but now kids are choosing their own online activities. Will parents be able to keep them away from Instagram for kids? Kids are so familiar with the internet that parents are the ones who can’t always keep up with what their kids are doing online. A lot of kids do already have an account on Instagram, so from that point of view, Instagram for kids might be “a solution”. But then again, how is it possible for kids under the age of thirteen to already have an account on Instagram. It is clear that Instagram isn’t flawless.

sources:

kidscreen

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