by Katie Elfering
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- As kids grow up, there are plenty of firsts: first steps, first day of school … first cellphone? Add it to the list, according to a new study that shows kids getting their first mobiles at younger ages than ever.
- According to a study by C&R Research, 26% of 8- to 11-year-olds had their own cellphones in 2008, up from 7% in 2003. Over that same five-year span, cellphone ownership among 12- to 14-year-olds jumped from 21% to 58% (SunTimes.com 8.4.09).
- Why? It’s not just kids clamoring to connect with friends or stay up on the latest tech trends. Parents are actually driving the trend as a way to keep kids safe using a tech-enabled leash.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- It’s no surprise that Gen We is a tech-native generation, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that they’re adopting grown-up technologies at younger and younger ages.
- But it’s important to remember the parents’ role in all of this. As parents become more comfortable with technology and see the safety benefits it can offer, expect to see more of that tech trickling down to their kids.
RESOURCES
