According to NDP Group, kids are increasingly using digital media to acquire information. While this is not surprising, the growth rate statistics are fascinating.
Among kids ages 2 to 14 in 2008:
- 92% use a computer (down from 94% in 07)
- 85% play video games (up from 80% in 07)
>> 82% of kids ages 2 to 5 play video games (up from 79% in 07)
>> 57% of girls play video games (up from 50% in 06)
>> 30% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a portable video game device - 60% use portable digital music devices (up from 51% in 07)
>> 20% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a digital music device - 51% use a cellphone (up from 49% in 07)
>> 30% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a cellphone - 22% download ringtones
- 22% watched TV digitally on a computer, cellphone, gaming device, or music device (up from 17% in 07)
Three trends that particularly stand out to me are:
- Video Game Momentum
It has been a long time since Atari, Mario, and Duck Hunt, so I am surprised to see video game usage among kids still growing at such a startling of 80% in 2007 to 85% in 2008. It seems hard to imagine kid culture being more fixated on video games, but clearly the love for gaming will only grow stronger. - Diaper Gamers
Four out of every five 2 to 5-year-olds play video games. Think about that. Some still struggle with pooping their pants or wetting the bed, yet they are learning how to master gaming. While playing video games at such a young age does not completely rewire a kid’s ability to enjoy childlike things, I do believe early gaming makes kids pickier and raises their level of expectations for entertainment. - Instant Gratification
Unless you are 8 years old, it is difficult to imagine growing up in a world where you can often instantly watch your favorite show, listen to your favorite song, call your best friend, look up an answer, or play a game. While these conveniences are wonderful, they also eliminate many opportunities to learn patience and self-discipline.Because these conveniences change kid culture, it is important that children’s ministers and parents both emphasize the importance of good character and provide kids with opportunities to develop their character.
For Discussion:
- What do you think of these statistics?
- How do you see digital media changing kid culture?
- What methods work for reaching kid culture?
[via Advertising Age]
[...] youth ministry I came across an interesting article on Kids and Media. Check it out when you can at http://churchrelevance.com/kids-media-usage-in-2008/ Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Kids choose digital entertainment over traditional [...]
Whoa, I find those statistics a little scary. My wife and I have a wee fella on the way and while I love technology I think I’ll hold him back for awhile. I think that the statement ‘I do believe early gaming make kids pickier and raise their level of expectations for entertainment’ is right on the money. We live in a society now that does not value patience as an important charateristic.
I think also it shows us that as Christians though we should be thinking about ways to reach these kids using media such as video games at an early age because there is far to many kids who are playing Grand Theft Auto. That being said I have seen a Christian version of Guitar hero so you can rock out to Skillet and other Christian rock bands which I think is awesome, worship and play guitar hero at the same time.
[...] I was reading over on Church Relevance a study that came from the NPD Group where it was reported that “…kids are increasingly [...]
These are pretty crazy stats. But… I’m experiencing this firsthand. My 3 y/o daughter, Lily, has been using the computer for about 6 months now. She’s mastered the use of the mouse, can type her name into password fields, knows how to click on her “favorites” when getting online…. it really is crazy. You should see this kid in Photoshop too… she knows how to open Photoshop, create a new document, select the shape tool, change the selected shape, change the colors using the color pallette… it’s nuts. She’s also fluent with my iPod Touch… it’s crazy, it really is.
It’s interesting to know that my kids will grow up in a world of intense technology, and I grew up in a world that didn’t even have the internet until I was in my 20’s.
@Cameron
Starting this early and with her father’s influence, Lily is going to be a phenomenal designer. [Making mental note for future hires.]
[...] Kids media usage in 2008 [...]
Interesting words on video games, but not as shocked I guess. Would like to hear your thoughts on my blog entry from January 20th. This is something that needs to be addressed, but it’s too bad some adults are even blinded by the idolatry. Thanks for also looking into this!
@Gabe
Good thoughts on your post - http://www.gabetaviano.com/technology/grow-up-already/
I agree that it is an issue for this new older generation of gamers.
As a father of three (12,7,&5), a youth pastor of 10+ years and a video/computer gamer myself I believe there is a lot we can do with this information. One key thing that happens both in my home and in my ministry is that we play video games that are 2 players or more. These games can create (I’ve seen many times) interaction and what I call “remember when…” moments that the kids often use to get to know each other more. I stay away from 1 player games as these cause kids to seclude themselves from others. Just a thought.
You KNOW you’re in trouble when your 3 year old grandchild knows just about as much as you do about operating the computer!