Free Futuresource report reveals how kids are using tech in 2025

Children have been growing up in a digital-first world for some time now, and it is reshaping the concept of childhood. With devices now central to learning, play and social connection, Futuresource Consulting’s latest Kids Tech Whitepaper explores the influence of screen-based technology. Connectivity pervades all aspects of children’s lives, influencing everything from classroom engagement to after-school entertainment, and the new report is available to download for free. 

A snapshot of digital childhoods  

Drawing on data from Futuresource’s 16th wave of Kids Tech consumer research across the UK, USA, France and Germany, the whitepaper provides an up-to-date snapshot of how children interact with technology. It also explores what this means for brands, educators and parents. 

“For children, screens are no longer part of the scenery,” says James Duvall, Principal Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “They’re front and centre, shaping routines, relationships and expectations for living. Our latest round of research delves into the step change, bringing together insights on content consumption, device preferences, gaming, social media and education. It’s all designed to help the industry understand how digital natives are really living their lives.” 

How kids watch, play and learn in 2025

Some of Futuresource Consulting’s key findings from the Kids Tech whitepaper include: 

• Devices define stages of childhood: TVs dominate younger age groups, tablets are the top choice for ages 3 to 8, while smartphones take over in the teenage years. 
• Content consumption is short-form and character-driven: YouTube is the most-used platform, with superheroes, comedy and animal content among the top genres. 
• Social media use rises fast with age: 69% of children use some form of social media, with WhatsApp, TikTok and Instagram leading. By 15 to 16, daily use is more than five times higher than in the early years. 
• Audio is growing: 60% of kids use online music services, while podcasts and audiobooks continue to expand, especially among 5- to 10-year-olds. 
• Parental concerns: Nearly 80% of parents impose time limits, with many worried about excessive screen time and its impact on wellbeing. 

Strategic implications for brands

For companies targeting households with children under 16, the findings highlight clear opportunities and responsibilities. Brands must innovate around personalisation and parental controls, design seamless cross-device experiences, and ensure educational value is embedded in digital offerings.  

Transparent and ethical AI integration, along with content strategies attuned to short-form and franchise-driven preferences, will be key differentiators. 

The Kids Tech Whitepaper is available now as a free download. To access your copy, please visit here or contact imad.sarwar@futuresource-hq.com. 

About Futuresource Consulting 

Futuresource Consulting, established in the 1980s, is a leading research and consulting firm specialising in global market analysis, forecasts and strategic insights. With a deep understanding of emerging trends and technologies, Futuresource helps businesses navigate complex markets and make informed decisions. 

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com