What access do kids around the world have to connected devices and social media?

We found out in our latest study, The World According to Kids, in which we surveyed almost 6,000 kids aged 6 to 11 in 18 countries. Here’s what we learned about kids’ tech habits:

Kids have access to a range of connected devices, putting the world at their fingers. They’re most likely to have access to smartphones (71%), game consoles (54%), tablets (53%), smart TVs (53%), and desktop or laptop computers (47%). On average, they have access to 3 connected devices and personally own 1.8 devices, acquiring more with age – growing from 1.4 among 6-year-olds to 2.2 among 11-year-olds. And speaking of 11-year-olds, 66% of them globally have their own smartphone.

With access to devices comes social media – which kids mostly use to consume content. Among kids 6 to 11, 60% use a social platform. Kids become more likely to use social media as they get older – half of 6-year-olds, rising to 72% at age 11. They mainly watch videos (64%) or look at others’ posts (33%), but 18% post their own content.

Kids see the benefits of social media and are aware of the impact of their posts. Kids love sharing things and they also enjoy feeling popular and liked. Globally, 47% globally say they love to share all their experiences on social media and 51% believe that having a lot of connections on social media makes them look good. However, while they value ‘likes’ from their peers, they are also wary of posting. Today, 49% of kids worry that pictures or stories about them on social media could cause them problems in the future.

They enjoy social media content that’s entertaining and indulges their curiosity. While kids mostly follow friends (54%) and family (45%), they also follow YouTubers/influencers (40%), brands (28%), gamers (26%), and musical artists (18%). Their main reasons for following others: finding their content funny, learning about them, and learning from them.

Messaging apps help kids connect with friends and family. As with access to devices and social media, kids become more likely to use messaging apps as they get older. By age 11, 54% of kids globally use WhatsApp, 27% use Facebook Messenger, and 18% use iMessage.