New research released today by Littlewoods.com shows how the average British kid is more tech-savvy than their mum by the time they’re just seven years and four months old.
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And it gets worse as 11 per cent of British mums actually admit to handing over the technological reins to their toddlers when they’re just three and a half.
Showing just how much technology is a ‘young person’s game’, 83 per cent of British mums polled conceded that their kids know more about smartphones, tablets and TV’s than they do; a figure supported by the fact that in 2.9 million households across the UK, it’s the kids that take complete control of setting up and managing all technological equipment, from tuning TVs to monitoring the Wi-Fi router.
When it comes to the language surrounding technology, the knowledge gaps for British mums are even more accentuated with 10 per cent thinking that ‘UHT’s’ are used to store and transfer data while a further six per cent think memory sticks are called BFF’s when it should really be USB.
However, while they admit to finding it hard, mums actually see the benefit of being an internet whizz as 60 per cent of those questioned said that being more tech-savvy would make their lives easier but are at a loss as to where to go to get this help. Furthermore, 29 per cent admit to taking the easy route and relying on their kids to help them finish off the online shop or even set their favourite show to record.
To answer Mums cry for help, Littlewoods.com hosted Littlewoods Live, an online forum designed to teach Mums all they need to know about the world of technology. Gadget expert, Suzi Perry was online yesterday from 9pm until 10pm to answer all the queries and questions mums had, as well as giving her tips and tricks on how to ‘out gadget’ the younger members of the family. Along with swotting up on techie tips, participants also got the chance to win £1000 to spend on the gadgets of their choice.
Suzi Perry said: “Too many people, the world of gadgets can feel inaccessible so I’m excited to be working with Littlewoods.com to break down some of those barriers with this broadcast of Littlewoods Live. The fact that people can watch the programme live on their mobiles, from wherever they happen to be, is a first for me."
Gary Kibble, brand director for Littlewoods.com said: “As our research shows that Mums want some help, we’re coming to the rescue, with a little help from Suzi Perry. Suzi knows everything there is to know about gadgets and we’re delighted to be working with her to test and showcase the best products on the market, as well as offering a few sneaky tips for our mums.
“Having seen the incredible level of engagement from our customers with the first Littlewoods Live show, we’re confident that they’ll find it really helpful to have Suzi on hand to help them get the most out of their gadgets and to give an expert opinion on the best gadget gift ideas for Christmas,” he said.