It is common knowledge that all children want to have fun. In the past, children would play games outside or play with their LEGOs at home, but now times have changed. Children consider tablet computers and smartphones as their new tools of fun. An executive from U.K.-based research institution Dubit Research, Adam Woodgate, said recent studies revealed that the age of smartphone usage has dropped to the age of 9.

Woodgate, who was attending a conference organized by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) in İzmir, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that their research institution has been observing the social and digital media usage habits of children in Africa, Europe, the Americas, Australia and Asia. Woodgate explains that all children are interested in having fun, but 21st century children are used to getting what they want when they want it.

Until they reach the age of 8, TV may be the only digital entertainment tool for almost all children around the world as the TV is considered one of the most trusted mediums by parents. However, the age of smartphone usage has dropped to 9 compared to previous research.

Woodgate said smartphones are the most preferred form of media among children aged 9 to 11. According to the research, while the opinions of parents play an important role in their children's preference of media, children tend to give priority to their peers' opinions after the age of 9. "The research shows that children prefer video games that are played in one to two minutes. They are not interested in games that keep them busy. They want to consume everything fast," Woodgate stated.