Why Generation Alpha Kids Are Flocking to Platform X

Recently, increasing attention has been drawn to the phenomenon of so-called "iPad Kids" — children from Generation Alpha aged 7 to 9 years, who are starting to actively use social networks and other apps. A particular concern arises from the fact that, according to new data from Qustodio, about a third of these children already have accounts on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter). This number turned out to be surprisingly high, especially considering the platform's content, which is mostly focused on politics and news.

The reason for the growing popularity of X among children might be that the platform is integrated with Google Search, making X posts appear in search results. This captures the attention of young users who stumble upon these posts while searching for information they are interested in. At the same time, parents often underestimate the significance of X and do not block it, unlike more popular apps like TikTok and Snapchat. As a result, children gain access to content that may be inappropriate for them.

The Qustodio report also notes that X can contain materials not suitable for children, including hate speech, misinformation, and adult content. According to the company, about 13% of all posts on X contain adult material, increasing the risk of undesirable exposure for children.

The data collected by Qustodio is particularly interesting because it is based on actual app usage by children, not surveys. The company, which provides parental control software, was able to gather information on which apps and games are most popular among children and which are most frequently blocked by parents. In their latest report, based on data from around 180,000 families with children, it was found that access to social networks begins at a very young age.

For instance, in addition to X, 28% of children aged 7 to 9 years already use Reddit, and 26% have a Facebook account. These findings underscore that parents do not always pay attention to the potential threats posed by such, seemingly less popular, platforms.

Interestingly, by the age of 10, 42% of children in the U.S. already own a smartphone. Additionally, starting at this age, many children begin actively using TikTok, spending an average of 121 minutes a day on the app. Among children aged 10 to 12, the most popular apps are Roblox and YouTube, used by 62% and 59% of children, respectively. However, X is also gaining popularity in this age group, with usage rising to 41%.

As children grow older, their preferences in apps change. Among teenagers aged 13 to 15, Roblox usage begins to decline, while Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Shopping become the most popular apps. TikTok, Snapchat, and social platforms like X and Reddit also remain popular among this age group.

For older teens, aged 16 to 18, popular apps remain Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon, but Facebook surprisingly takes the lead among social networks, overtaking TikTok and Instagram.

It is worth noting that Qustodio's data reflects app usage in families where parental control tools are applied. In the real world, without such restrictions, the percentage of usage of platforms like X, Reddit, and Facebook might be even higher. This suggests that parents may underestimate the influence of these apps and do not block them as carefully as they do with other, more obviously dangerous platforms.

As technology advances and children’s access to the internet expands, it is important to recognize that such apps can have a significant impact on the younger generation. Parents should pay closer attention to the apps their children use and take measures to ensure their safety in the digital world.