THE PHILIPPINES, MAY 14, 2012: Two-thirds of Pinoy kids own a mobile phone, more than in Australia and Taiwan, says Cartoon Network study New Generations 2012.
The children’s cable TV channel study, which is focused on the relationship between kids and technology, says the current ownership levels of children are at 65%, which is a big jump from 2009’s ownership level of 38%.
“The findings show young Pinoys not only have the know-how in the digital space, but increasingly have the tools to consume and experience media across multiple platforms – from TV to PC, from their tablet to phone," says Duncan Morris, vice president of Research and Market Development, Turner International Asia Pacific.
Filipino children’s usage of Internet and desktops are also seeing a big growth. Close to two thirds of kids (63%) live in homes with a computer (desktop or laptop), up 34% growth from 47% in 2009. 82% of those in homes with a computer going online every week. More than one in 10 kids (12%) have their own computer, which is thrice higher than the 4% ownership level in the last survey.
Gaming continues to be the top internet pastime with 58% of internet users playing games daily. Catching up quickly in popularity are social networking sites – with 52% of kids surveyed logging on every day. Other common internet activities include listening to music (41%), watching videos (36%), doing homework (28%) and photo sharing (23%).
Filipino kids are also adept at switching between screens and devices. Over a third (38%) watch TV on a flat panel screen; 54% have access to a digital camera; and 20% have a smartphone within reach. The latest gadget to break into the market since the last study is the tablet and already 16% of homes boast one.
Even as mobile and device ownership surges, television continues to claim top spot as the favorite medium among young Filipinos. In an average week, 99% of kids claimed to have watched TV, 76% accessed the internet, 40% listened to the radio, 13% read newspapers and 9% read magazines. Technology doesn’t always win out; seven in 10 kids reported that they are regular book readers.
