The communications regulator, Ofcom UK, has today published the results of its latest research into the media use of children and parents. The study found that 91% of children live in a household with internet access through a PC or laptop (up from 87% in 2010).

Some 65% of 5-7 year olds made use of a PC or laptop at home to get online, which compares with 85% of 8-11s and 93% of 12-15s. Children are also watching more TV than ever before, with viewing figures increasing by 2 hours since 2007. In addition 31% of children aged 5-15 who use the internet at home are watching TV online via catch-up services (e.g. BBC iPlayer etc.).

The majority of children aged 8-15 also felt that they know how to stay safe online (88%) and believed themselves to be confident internet users (97%). Still, parents of children who use the internet at home are increasing their supervision. Some 39% of parents have installed internet controls or filtering software and 54% of parents of 5-15s supervise their child's internet use.


Earlier this month four of the country's largest broadband ISPs ( BT , TalkTalk , Virgin Media and Sky Broadband ) agreed to provide new customers with "a choice at the point of purchase" about whether or not to block adult web content. The move is seen as a small but important step forward.

Ofcom's full 175 page report is vast and covers just about every conceivable statistic imaginable, which makes it difficult to summarise. If you have a week spare to read this in full then check it out below.

Children and parents: media use and attitudes report (PDF)
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/media-literacy/oct2011/Children_and_parents.pdf