August 12th is International Youth Day and the theme this year for 2024 is ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’.
So, for this blog post, I thought I’d take a quick look at some interesting stats around young people and their digital technology use here in the UK.
The youth landscape is undeniably digital. From picking up new tech skills, to being constantly connected in a way that just wasn’t possible in previous generations, young people have been at the forefront of what some call the digital revolution.
So - how is technology shaping and integrating into the lives of our young people?
Getting online
It might not come as a surprise, but 99% of young people in Britain aged 16-24 are regular internet users. This statistic from the Office for National Statistics shows just how integral the internet has become to everyday life. Whether it's for studying, socialising or entertainment, the internet is a key, go-to resource for lots of young people. In fact- tragically, a 16 year old is more likely to own a smart phone than have a dad who lives at home.
Social Media
Social media is also a massive part of young people's digital experience. According to Ofcom's 2023 report, about 91% of 16-24 year olds are active on social media, and there are so many platforms available now, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. For a lot of young people, social media dominates their screens, giving them a space for connection, creativity, and, as I’m sure a lot of us can relate to, endless scrolling.
Smartphones
How many people do you know these days that don’t have a smartphone? Not many I bet!
And it’s the same story when it comes to young people.
Recent data from Uswitch via Ofcom shows that nearly every young person (98%) in the UK aged 16-24 owns a smartphone, and also, interestingly, that half of children own a phone by the age of 9!
Screen time
My 7yr old daughter would happily spend hours watching YouTube videos if she could, but how much screen time is appropriate, healthy or acceptable for children and young people?
It’s a controversial topic, but here’s how much screen time is happening on average.
According to Ofcom's Media Nations report, young Brits spend around 4-6 hours a day on their smartphones - this includes time spent on social media, messaging, gaming, and streaming videos.
Digital skills
It’s almost impossible to navigate today’s world without some form of digital skills. Even my 95-year-old Grandad has forgone letter writing in favour of sending text messages and emails. So, it’s no surprise that young people are equipping themselves with more and more digital skills.
As reported by the UK government, approximately 85% of 16-24 year olds possess basic digital skills, such as managing information online, digital communication, and problem-solving with technology. However, many are going way beyond this, gaining advanced skills like coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, becoming increasingly tech-savvy. These skills mean that young people are not only able to keep up with current trends, but are also shaping the future of tech.
Online safety and wellbeing
Despite this ‘digital fluency’ of young people, Ofcom’s research shows that about 40% worry about their privacy and data security; the internet poses risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, scams and online harassment. Online anonymity can also lead to harmful behaviour.
And, while digital tech offers so many opportunities and benefits, it can also raise challenges for mental health. The Royal Society for Public Health found that around 30% of young people feel that social media has negatively impacted their mental wellbeing at some point.
As these statistics show, for better or worse, digital technology is a deeply interwoven part of young people's lives. From communication and learning, to entertainment and social connection, as you may have heard said, the digital world can be both ‘a tool and a playground’ for young people, but needs to be navigated with balance and care.
If you’d like to know more about the digital world and your teen- why not encourage your parenting friends as well, and sign up for a parents’ workshop, online and at a time that suits you? Email Gareth@acet-uk.com or Rachel@acet-uk.com