Children are beginning to use laptops and other electronic devices at younger ages, according to a survey.
EW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Children are drawn to newer technology and pick up electronics at earlier ages than ever before, a report released Tuesday said.
The average age that children begin using such devices is 6.7 years old, down slightly from 6.9 years old in 2006, but a huge jump form 8.1 years old in 2005, the year NPD Group began tracking ages.
Zeroing in on the kids
The number of devices in a household has declined in the past two years, and the percentage of children with their own electronic devices has also fallen, even with electronics usage beginning at earlier ages.
However, the survey found that the number of children who own newer technology such as portable digital media players, portable video games, and digital cameras modestly increased in 2007. More established devices like cell phones and DVD players also showed growth among young children.
Children are being exposed to electronics such as televisions and desktop computers as early as 4 or 5 years old, the survey said.
"Kids are drawn to the latest and greatest digital devices just as their parents are," Anita Frazier, an analyst with the NPD Group, said in a statement. "They appear to have no fear of technology and adopt it easily and without fanfare, making these devices a part of their everyday lives."
Some newer technologies such as TV-to-computer devices and satellite radios have failed to catch on with the younger tech-set. Sales of older devices, like film cameras and karaoke systems, continue to fall out of favor when compared with digital cameras and cell phones, the consumer research group reported.
Children were observed using electronic devices, on average, about three times a week. According to the report, children use kids' versions at a younger age, and more frequently, than the adult versions. Top of page
http://money.cnn.com/2007/06/05/technology/electronics/index.htm?postversion=2007060514
