When it comes to technology, there are four types of users: those who know nothing about anything, those who know enough to get by, uber geeks, and kids. Yes, it seems the brilliant mind of a child has quite an impressive ability to adapt to any electronic device. But with the widespread adoption of gadgets in the home, children are learning to use electronics at an strikingly young age, according to a study conducted by The NPD Group.

The NPD Group’s report, Kids and Consumer Electronics Trends III, states the average age at which children begin using electronic devices is 6.7 years old, down from 8.1 in 2005.

TVs and desktop computers get the youngest initial exposure, as children, on average, are introduced to them at about 4 or 5 years of age; whereas, media devices such as portable music players and satellite radios have an older exposure of around the age of 9. Watching TV, using a cell phone, and operating a DVR is among electronic devices that are most used by kids.

“Kids are drawn to the latest and greatest digital devices just as their parents are,” said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group.  “They appear to have no fear of technology and adopt it easily and without fanfare, making these devices a part of their everyday lives.”

So what does this mean for our future? If these trends continue, we can all look forward to the unfortunate reality that we may one day have to ask for our children’s help in operating tomorrow’s gadgets; that is to say, if you’re not already in such a position.

Data was collected via an online survey to a nationally representative sample of adults ages 25 and older, with children ages 4 to 14 in the household.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 at 4:56 pm under Technology.

Read more entries by George Gardner.
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