Stark differences in the digital education of Hungarian families
Although most parents try to limit screen time, some Hungarian pre-schoolers have their own digital devices from a very early age. A study commissioned by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) reveals that children’s digital habits and screen time are significantly influenced by the type of municipality where their families live and the age of their parents as well as their parents’ level of education, while families increasingly look to pre-schools to help them develop a conscious use of devices.
A large-scale study by the NMHH has made some shocking revelations on the device availability among the youngest children. The survey shows that 11% of pre-schoolers who use digital devices already have their own smartphones or tablets. This share reaches 25% by the end of pre-school at the age of six. Even more remarkable is the finding that 70% of children having their own devices got their first smart devices by the age of four, while one out of five before the age of three, and they use these devices it intensively, often several times a day.
One of the most striking lessons learned from the study is social differences among families have a discernible impact. Parents’ level of education represents a clear dividing line when it comes to children’s screen time and digital education. While pre-school children of parents with higher education spend an average of 5 hours per week on their devices, parents with primary education or less are more permissive, with their children averaging more than 10 hours per week. The latter parents are also much more likely to use digital devices to calm down or distract their children.
The results also highlight the responsibility of parents in being role models and setting an example. Six out of ten parents are aware that their own digital device use patterns have an influence on their children. Yet, a significant portion of adults regularly use their devices when their pre-school children are around: six out of ten parents chat online, the same share does their errands in the same way and around 20% also browse social media while they are spending time with their kids.
In the digital maze, parents are also increasingly looking to rely on formal education. More than half of respondents (54%) think that pre-schools should take an active role in children’s digital education. When it comes to finding information, pre-school teachers are one of the most important and credible sources in addition to online platforms.
The results of this large-scale national survey are presented in “Óvodások és a média” (Pre-Schoolers and the Media) published by the NMHH and Eszterházy Károly Catholic University. This long-needed professional publication looks at the specific characteristics, risks and social aspects of the use of digital devices by the youngest generation.