How do kids in Hungary differ from kids around the world?

Using research from our Kids of the World study, here are our latest insights on Hungarian kids aged 6 to 11:

They see themselves as interested in the world and innovative. Hungarian kids are even more likely than their global peers to describe themselves as curious (95% vs. 89% of global kids). They also have a stronger tendency to see themselves as creative (92% vs. 89% of global kids).

Family, friends and entertainment are their main sources of happiness. Spending time with family is what makes Hungarian kids happiest – and they’re more likely than their global peers to feel this way (76% Hungary, 70% global). Friends are another key source of contentment (59% Hungary, 56% global). And many forms of entertainment as sources of happiness came out significantly higher in Hungary: watching TV shows (46% Hungary, 39% global), using the internet (42% Hungary, 31% global), having their own cell phone (35% Hungary, 24% global) and listening to music (29% Hungary, 26% global).

They have tighter social circles. Hungarian kids listed fewer friends in general than their global peers – an average of 8, compared with 13.3 for global kids. However, when it comes to best friends, Hungarian kids match the global average of 4.6.

When they feel stressed and need to unwind, they’re more likely to release their emotions. Hungarian kids may be more in touch with their emotions than their global peers, with 38% saying they cry when they’re stressed (compared with 24% globally). Talking to their parents is an equally common way of de-stressing among kids in Hungary (38%). Playing games on a mobile device is another way they cope with stress (37%).

They’re more likely to have a smartphone than their global peers. In Hungary, 45% of kids have their own smartphone – higher than the global average of 37%. They’re less likely to have a tablet (37% Hungary, 41% global).

But they start using social media later. Kids aged 6 to 11 in Hungary are less likely than global kids to have a social media account (40% Hungary, 44% global). On average, they get their first social media account when they’re slightly older – age 7.7, compared with 7.2 among global kids.