Understanding Media Use Among Children Aged 3–11: Key Insights from Ofcom’s 2025 Media Literacy Report

Understanding Media Use Among Children Aged 3–11: Key Insights from Ofcom’s 2025 Media Literacy Report

The 2025 edition of Ofcom’s Children’s Media Literacy Report provides a detailed overview of how children across the UK are engaging with digital media. For those working in education, child development, or policy, the findings offer valuable insights—particularly regarding children aged 3 to 11.

This summary highlights the most relevant trends and themes for this age group.

Early and Increasing Engagement with Digital Media

• A growing number of children aged 3–5 are using social media platforms. In 2024, 37% of parents reported that their child in this age group used at least one social media app or site, up from 29% the previous year. While many parents co-use or manage these accounts, 19% of children in this group are reported to use them independently.
• Livestreamed video content is increasingly popular. Among 8–12-year-olds, there has been a notable rise in the consumption of livestreamed videos, contributing to a broader trend across all age groups.
• Gaming remains a central activity. Approximately 89% of children aged 3–17 play games on at least one device, with younger children favouring tablets and older children transitioning to consoles and mobile phones.

Educational Use and Digital Literacy

• There has been an increase in the number of children watching educational content. In 2024, 48% of children aged 3–17 reported watching videos that help with schoolwork or learning, up from 42% in 2023.
• Online safety education is widely delivered and increasingly valued. Among children aged 8–17, 92% recall receiving at least one lesson on online safety, and 45% found these lessons “very useful”—a notable increase from 39% the previous year. This rise is particularly evident among children aged 10–12.

Social Interaction and Online Expression

• Despite age restrictions, 40% of children under 13 have a social media profile. Among 8–9-year-olds, the proportion with an Instagram profile rose from 8% to 14% in the past year.
• Most children aged 8–17 are passive users of social media, primarily consuming content rather than creating or sharing it. Only 29% are considered “active” users who post or comment regularly.

Risks and Parental Concerns

• One-third of children aged 8–17 reported encountering content online that they found worrying or distressing. Children with additional needs and those living in urban areas are more likely to report such experiences.
• Parental concern remains high. Seventy-six percent of parents are concerned about their child being exposed to age-inappropriate content, and 72% worry that their child may struggle to distinguish between real and false information online.
• Online gaming presents specific risks. Thirty-three percent of 8–9-year-olds who game online report playing with individuals they do not know personally.

Managing Digital Boundaries

• Restrictions on smartphone use during school hours are common. Fifty-six percent of children aged 8–17 are not permitted to use their phones at any time during the school day.
• Parents continue to play an active role in managing their children’s digital lives. Ninety-three percent of parents report having at least one rule in place regarding their child’s online activity. Direct supervision is more common among parents of younger children, while parents of older children tend to rely more on open conversations.

Conclusion

The 2025 Media Literacy Report underscores the importance of early and sustained digital education. As children begin engaging with online platforms at increasingly younger ages, it is essential that schools, families, and digital service providers work together to ensure that children develop the skills and understanding necessary to navigate the online world safely and effectively.

The full report is available to download from Ofcom’s website:
Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report 2025 – Ofcom