M6 Publicité and Gulli have published a new edition of their “Tendances Kids”* study, which focuses on video consumption habits among children (aged 4–14) and, more broadly, on screen usage within families.
Unsurprisingly, children are becoming increasingly equipped, and at an increasingly early age. Nearly one in two children aged 11–14 will own a smartphone in 2022.
Live TV remains one of the three most popular viewing modes among children, and when we take into account its extension on digital platforms (Replay), the viewing time even represents 72% of video consumption time among young French people, a trend also observed in the other countries included in the study.
Video game consoles and games within families
We already know that gaming consoles are ubiquitous in children's lives, but to what extent?
According to this study Eight out of ten households have a video game console, and nearly nine out of ten children play video games for at least 45 minutes a day.
With regard to the use of Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite platforms aimed at children and pre-teens, France lags behind Anglo-Saxon countries and Spain, although Two-thirds of children who report playing at least one of these three games.
Another strong signal is the evolution of video games that showcase increasingly immersive imaginary worlds, particularly with equipment such as virtual reality headsets (Oculus, VR headsets for PS4, Xbox One, etc.): still a minority in France, – 141 per cent of households are equipped with a virtual reality headset and 71 per cent of children own one personally. This type of game is set to grow.
Not all video games are metaverses, and vice versa. And while children are well aware that the metaverse goes beyond the primary function of gaming, it remains a vague concept for them: 1 in 2 French children have already heard of the metaverse, but Only 15% know exactly what it is..
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Overexposure to screens and how to manage it
*The quantitative survey is conducted in partnership with Harris Interactive. It outlines the video consumption habits of children aged 4-14 by viewing mode (Live, Replay, SVOD, Streaming, VOD) in France and internationally in five key countries: Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan. The qualitative component was conducted in partnership with the QualiQuanti institute on the theme of the year: the metaverse.
