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Kids media and technology use: insights from MTM Junior

Jo Loup May 2, 2024 9:45:00 AM
mtm junior blog post

Approximately 20% of the Canadian population are children under the age of 18. MTM Jr. looks at the latest technology and media trends shaping the lives of 2-17 year olds today. Understand how they consume and engage with media and the different types of devices they prefer through their annual study.  It covers a range of topics including:

  1. Device ownership and use
  2. Gaming
  3. Social networking
  4. Streaming video and audio
  5. Household profile including technology
  6. Traditional TV and radio consumption

The 2024 survey release includes insights on teens' thoughts and their usage of A.I., new developments in gaming, a quick look at Snapchat, how parents keep their kids safe on social media platforms, the top types of video on YouTube and social media and more.

 

Highlights from MTM Jr.'s 2024 Survey

  • Almost 3 in 4 teens (72%) are aware of generative A.I. tools like ChatGPT, and 1 in 4 (25%) use them monthly. However, some teens think that using A.I. for school assignments is the same as cheating.

  • Video games are a big deal for most kids, with 4 in 5 (79%) playing one in the past month. Smartphones and tablets are the devices most used for playing games, with over half of kids (55%) playing via apps on smartphones or tablets.

  • A significant proportion, one in five, of children engaged in video gaming have invested in in-game currencies (V-Bucks, Robux, Minecoins etc.). Notably, gamers immersed in Fortnite exhibit the highest propensity for such transactions, followed by Roblox and Minecraft gamers.

  • Snapchat is one of the most popular social media platforms for kids and teens, with almost half of kids aged 7 to 17 (48%) using it in the past month. Users of Snapchat are dedicated, with 80% of them using it daily. 

  • More than 9 in 10 parents (92%) take steps to keep their kids safe on social media. Activities to keep kids safe include: having talks about how to stay safe online, setting parental controls, adjusting privacy settings and monitoring what kids post online. And 64% of parents use more than one method to do so.

 

About MTM

The Media Technology Monitor (MTM) is Canada’s leading survey in the area of technology ownership and use. See the highlights from their survey of Canadians 18+ here