The use of technology in the home is ubiquitous among 10-15-year-olds and personal ownership is also high, as 59% own their own smartphone, 48% their own games console, 39% their own tablet and 37% their own laptop. Use of social networks is also high, as 87% have used a social network or app in the last month, and poorly enforced age restrictions have had little impact on usage.

The next year provides a range of opportunities and challenges for technology brands. The next-generation console war is heating up and Mintel findings suggest children play an influential role in the decision making process. Also, recent heavy-handed crackdowns by regulators on in-app purchases and access to explicit content suggests social networks could soon come under fire for failing to enforce age restrictions.

This report examines the use of, and attitudes towards, technology devices and services by 10-15-year-olds. This includes smartphones, tablets, static games consoles, portable games consoles, e-readers, internet-connected smart televisions, desktop and laptop computers, gaming, social networking and any form of digital media consumption. The report also examines parental concerns, the purchasing decision making process, the influence of children in the purchasing process and parent’s attitudes towards children using social media. The report also explores social network use by children as well as children’s attitudes towards social networks.

For the purposes of this report, Mintel’s definition of ‘technology’ includes smartphones, tablets, static games consoles, portable games consoles, e-readers, internet-connected smart televisions, desktop and laptop computers, gaming, social networking and any form of digital media consumption.

The terms ‘teen’, ‘child’ and ‘young consumer’ have been used interchangeably to describe children aged 10-15.

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