Tablets Top Smartphones as Must-Have Gadget for U.S. Preteens

In the U.S., 88% of 6 to 12 year olds have a personal internet-connected device, most often a tablet. Nearly two-thirds of American preteens have their own tablet, versus just 39% with a smartphone. Researchers attribute this gap to parents providing tablets to younger kids for entertainment.

Kagan Consumer Insights surveys (Nov 2023) by Keith Nissen
Kagan Consumer Insights surveys (Nov 2023) by Keith Nissen

American preteens are more likely to own a tablet than a smartphone, a reversal from patterns across Asia, a new study has uncovered. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. children aged 6 to 12 possess their own tablet – used for entertainment and more – while only 46% have a personal smartphone.

Source: Kagan Consumer Insights surveys (Nov, 2023) by Keith Nissen
Source: Kagan Consumer Insights surveys (Nov, 2023) by Keith Nissen

“Tablets are popular with U.S. parents for keeping young kids engaged while limiting exposure to social platforms on phones,” explained Keith Nissen, Principal Analyst at media researcher Kagan.

The tablet trend contrasts sharply with China, where only one-third of preteens have tablets, versus 45% with smartwatches. Chinese parents seem to push smartwatches over smartphones as a safer starter gadget.

India has the most smartphone-savvy preteens in Asia, with 56% ownership, trailed by South Korea's 79%. But those totals still lag the level of smartphones in the pockets of American ‘tweens.

U.S. teenagers (ages 13-17), meanwhile, stack up neatly with their Asian counterparts when it comes to mobile devices. Over 80% of American teens have smartphones, second only to 91% in tech-obsessed South Korea.

Source: Kagan Consumer Insights surveys (Nov, 2023) by Keith Nissen
Source: Kagan Consumer Insights surveys (Nov, 2023) by Keith Nissen

The survey polled households about devices purchased for children's personal use, not shared family gadgets. It found most U.S. parents buying kid devices earn middle-class incomes, contrasting with Asia's upper-income tilt.

“American families across economic lines equip their kids with connected devices” said Nissen. “Asia sees more of an income divide.”

So while globally both teenagers and adults carry smartphones daily, America's unique tablet tradition starts early – serving up games, videos and homework.

Source: Kagan Consumer Insights surveys (Nov, 2023) by Keith Nissen

– Tom Bowen