Viber study: half of Ukrainian children get their first gadget at 6-7 years old

The Rakuten Viber team conducted a new survey among messenger users to find out whether Ukrainians buy gadgets for their children and at what age. About 29 thousand people took part in the study.

According to the results, 93% of Ukrainians buy devices for their children’s education and leisure. Of these, 51% buy the entire necessary set – a smartphone, laptop and tablet, and 31% limit themselves to a phone so that the child can at least stay in touch.

The distribution of answers is as follows:

• The child has everything – a phone, a laptop and a tablet – 51%
• A simple phone or an old smartphone only for communication – 17%
• Only a smartphone, relatively new – 14%
• A tablet or laptop for studying and playing – 9%
• Do not buy gadgets – children use adult devices – 7%
• Only a smart watch – 2%

Participants also told us at what age they buy their children their first devices. Almost half of the respondents said that children get their first gadget at 6–7 years old.

The age distribution is as follows:

• Under 5 years old – 12%
• 6-7 years old – 47%
• 8–9 years old – 19%
• 10 years old and over – 22%

Thus, most Ukrainian parents consider it necessary for their child to have their own gadget from the primary grades of school.