New research from the NPD Group reveals that many consumer electronics purchases are made with the express purpose of letting the kids use them. According to the company, 78 percent of portable video game systems purchased and 56 percent of portable digital media players purchased were for kids. The research also shows that there are almost as many kids using computers (73 percent) these days as there are using televisions (74 percent). Three-fifths of kids (60 percent) are using a portable or console gaming system as well.
A child's presence in a household is a driving force in adoption of newer technologies, according to the data. Among households with a child between the ages of 4 and 14, e-readers and media tablets were acquired at 8 and 5 percent rates, respectively, over the past year.
The number of days in which children use cell phones, media players and portable video game systems has declined as new technologies drive trends and usage. NPD says that this change in usage may be short-term as new devices due to "novelty factors.
"Kids who have access to a media tablet may temporarily put down their portable video game system but not necessarily move away from the gaming system altogether," Frazier said in a statement.
In households with kids ages 4-14, pricing is still the most important factor in deciding to buy technology. Most purchases are being made over the Internet according to NPD, because it is easier to comparison shop and find the best prices.
"Obviously, consumer electronics devices carry a hefty price tag as compared to something like a toy item," said Frazier. "Online shopping gives purchasers an easy way to seek out the best prices and offers."
Source: Media Post
