Growing Up Logged In, as Kids Embrace Always-On Digital Lives

New Futuresource research study reveals evolving screen habits, AI in the learning experience, and growing parental concerns.

Futuresource Consulting has published its latest wave of Kids Tech consumer research, uncovering the complex and fast-evolving relationships that children aged three to sixteen have with digital technology. Based on interviews with more than 5,500 parents and guardians across France, Germany, the UK and USA, the study examines the devices children use, the content they consume, and the role of technology in both entertainment and learning.

Multi-screening becomes the norm

Multitasking with devices is becoming a defining trait for children as they grow older. The research found that, across all age ranges, 69% of children multiscreen while watching TV, a figure which climbs to 84% among 15-to-16-year-olds.

TV remains the top device of choice for younger children when it comes to watching video content, but smartphones quickly take the lead as children approach their teenage years. Among three-to-six-year-olds, one in three already has access to a smartphone, often through a family member.

“Children are navigating digital environments with increasing fluidity,” says Laura McGuire, Insights Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “They’re seamlessly switching between TVs, smartphones, tablets and gaming devices. And while this reflects a growing digital confidence, it also introduces new layers of complexity for families. We’re seeing challenges around supervision, screen time management, and understanding how different types of content and interactivity impact development.”

Online access is often unsupervised

While 77% of parents impose time restrictions, nearly every online activity, whether video viewing, social media or messaging, is more commonly done without adult oversight. Yet this could suggest that parents concerned about a particular activity may often opt to deny access to it, rather than allowing supervised participation.

In addition, children who multiscreen are even more likely to browse the internet independently.

YouTube stays ahead

YouTube continues to dominate as the most popular platform, with greater reach than any paid streaming service in the USA, Germany and France. Children are also more likely to have their own user profiles with age restrictions on major platforms like Netflix and Disney+, though age-appropriate controls aren’t universal.

Virtual reality and AI gain traction

This latest Kids Tech report marks a notable rise in virtual reality engagement, which now exceeds 50% of surveyed households. In homes with only one VR device, solo use is more common, potentially increasing the chances of children interacting with unknown online players.

Artificial intelligence is also making inroads in education. In the UK, 71% of kids are using AI in their learning journey, whether being used in school or at home. By contrast, France trails at just 36%. Across all countries, 42% of parents believe AI will benefit their child’s education, though many remain unsure about the long-term impact.

A widening gap between learning and leisure

Screen time at home for schoolwork typically remains under control, with 61% of children spending three hours or less per week online for homework, and 9% spending more than 6 hours. However, usage is spiking when it comes to entertainment, with around 19% spending more than six hours per week on gaming or social media. This suggests a widening gap between academic and recreational screen time.

Digital childhoods in context

“Our latest wave of research paints a vivid picture of childhood in a digital world,” says James Duvall. Principal Analyst, Futuresource Consulting, “It’s not just about which platforms and pursuits are winning, it’s about how children are interacting with technology, and what that means for parents, educators and policymakers.”

With extensive insights into content habits, device access, parental controls and emerging tech, the latest Futuresource Kids Tech 2025 report provides essential intelligence for brands, content producers and educators seeking to engage with young audiences responsibly.

For more information or to purchase the full Kids Tech Consumer Survey, please contact imad.sarwar@futuresource-hq.com or visit here.