Report: Children Tech Savvy at Younger Ages

NPD recently released the third published report of ongoing studies of kids' technology habits

Research firm NPD found that the average age of children using electronic gadgets lowered to 6.7 years of age in 2007; a drop from 8.1 years of age in 2005. In the report, "Kids and Consumer Electronics Trends III," NPD used an online questionnaire aimed at adults at least 25 years of age who have children in the household between 4 and 14.

"Kids are drawn to the latest and greatest digital just as their parents are. They appear to have no fear of technology and adopt it easily and without fanfare, making these devices a part of their everyday lives," said Anita Frazier, NPD Group industry analyst.

Televisions and desktop computers are commonly the first forms of consumer electronics children are exposed to - usually starting at age 4 or 5 years old, but most common for 7 year old children. Devices such as portable digital media players and satellite radios are used more often by children who are around 9 years old.

On average, parents participating in the study observed children using various forms of technology three times per week. Furthermore, children appear to favor using a kids' version of a product instead of the adult versions.

Devices sold include digital cameras, mobile phones and portable media players are among the top gadgets for young people. Even though children use electronics at younger ages, the number of devices in a household and percentage of children with their own electronic devices fell.

Reference:Michael Hoffman,dailytech