According to Kaspersky's findings, 87% of parents globally believe they are primarily responsible for regulating their children’s digital behaviour. To assist parents in effectively managing their children's online engagement, Kaspersky conducts an annual review of children's online interests. The analysis is based on anonymised data search queries, voluntarily provided by Kaspersky Safe Kids users. This year we’ve analysed requests data for both mobile (Android) and desktop platforms (Windows).
The list of the most used among children Android apps includes YouTube (28%), TikTok and WhatsApp (each with 15%) and Instagram (only 9%). For South Africa, the most used among children Android apps are YouTube (30,7%), WhatsApp (22,8%) and TikTok (9,1%).
The situation on devices with Windows operating systems is different, as there, children spend most of their time on Google Chrome (43,6%), Microsoft Edge (11,4%) and Discord (10,8%). For South Africa, children spend most of their time on Google Chrome (34,3%), Microsoft Edge (15,7%) and Microsoft Office (15%)
As the most popular app, YouTube reflects key trends and interests among children today. This year, gaming influencers received the largest share of search requests at 21%. The most searched bloggers were SSundee, Aphmau and KreekCraft. As for non-gaming-related influencers, MrBeast, SSSniperWolf and Sidemen remain the absolute leaders.
Another topic of interest for children is sports, with soccer, football, and the NBA ranking as the top choices. A high level of interest in this topic was evident in both YouTube queries and Google search requests.
Memes traditionally are also a significant part of children’s interests globally. This time the most notable one was "Gegagedigedagedago" - the Roblox Male Face meme set to the Rednex song "Cotton Eye Joe," performed in a misheard manner.
Gegagedigedagedago
Regarding music preferences (17%), notable trends among children include BABYMONSTER’s - SHEESH and JoJo Siwa’s - Karma tracks as well as music mixes by Nightcore. The most searched performers were K-pop band BLACKPINK and pop icon Taylor Swift. Phonk remains the most popular music genre among children. Surprisingly, BTS has recently seen a decline in popularity, and is trailing behind Olivia Rodrigo and even Kanye West’s video “¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign - CARNIVAL ft. Playboi Carti & Rich The Kid” in terms of number of requests.
Among movies (16%) children mostly searched for cartoons, TV-shows and series. The most requested cartoons were My Story Animated, “1 second from animated movies” and Harzbin Hotel. As for series, the most searched requests pertained to Dhar Mann Studios, Queen of Tears and Avatar the Last Airbender by Netflix adaptation.
An intriguing upcoming game is the horror title Subliminal. Based on the concept of “The Backrooms”, it's a real-time software ray-traced horror-puzzle game. Although it hasn't been released yet, information about it has already been eagerly sought by interested children.
“We see some stability in children's preferences, however, there has been a notable rise in seasonal stories linked to recent games, musical and movie premieres. These trends hold great significance and appeal to children, providing an opportunity for parents to engage and better understand their children's current interests. This can foster stronger relationships between parents and children. A reliable solution for digital parenting can play a crucial role, not only in safeguarding children online but also in uncovering their preferences,” comments Anna Larkina, Web-content analysis expert at Kaspersky.
The full Kaspersky Safe Kids study revealing the trendiest searches among children is available by the link.
- To ensure children have a positive online experience, Kaspersky recommends that as a parent you involve yourself in your children’s online activities from an early age so that this is the established norm and you can then mentor them on online safety practices.
- Consider downloading apps for digital parenting and discussing this topic with your child to explain how such apps work and why they’re needed to stay safe online.
- Make conversations about cybersecurity more enjoyable and interesting by discussing the topic with your child through games and other entertaining formats.
- Spend more time communicating with your children about online safety measures. Try paying attention to your own habits. Do you use your smartphone when eating or chatting? See if there are any patterns of your children mimicking your habits? Do they react in a different way when you put your phone away?
- Ask your child not to agree to any privacy settings on their own and to ask for help from you instead. Adults should get into the habit of reading all privacy agreements.
