According to NDP Group, kids are increasingly using digital media to acquire information. While this is not surprising, the growth rate statistics are fascinating.

Among kids ages 2 to 14 in 2008:

92% use a computer (down from 94% in 07)
85% play video games (up from 80% in 07)
82% of kids ages 2 to 5 play video games (up from 79% in 07)
57% of girls play video games (up from 50% in 06)
30% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a portable video game device
60% use portable digital music devices (up from 51% in 07)
20% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a digital music device
51% use a cellphone (up from 49% in 07)
30% of kids ages 6 to 9 own a cellphone
22% download ringtones
22% watched TV digitally on a computer, cellphone, gaming device, or music device (up from 17% in 07)

Three trends that particularly stand out to me are:

Video Game Momentum: It has been a long time since Atari, Mario, and Duck Hunt, so I am surprised to see video game usage among kids still growing at such a startling rate of 80% in 2007 to 85% in 2008. It seems hard to imagine kid culture being more fixated on video games, but clearly the love for gaming will only grow stronger.

Diaper Gamers: Four out of every five 2 to 5-year-olds play video games. Think about that. Some still struggle with pooping their pants or wetting the bed, yet they are learning how to master gaming. While playing video games at such a young age does not completely rewire a kid’s ability to enjoy childlike things, I do believe early gaming makes kids pickier and raises their level of expectations for entertainment.

Instant Gratification: Unless you are 8 years old, it is difficult to imagine growing up in a world where you can often instantly watch your favorite show, listen to your favorite song, call your best friend, look up an answer, or play a game. While these conveniences are wonderful, they also eliminate many opportunities to learn patience and self-discipline.
Because these conveniences change kid culture, it is important that children’s ministers and parents both emphasize the importance of good character and provide kids with opportunities to develop their character.

For Discussion:-
-What do you think of these statistics?
- How do you see digital media changing kid culture?
- What methods work for reaching kid culture?