Around the World - a Children’s Survey

Around the World

A Children’s Survey

We asked kids (and their parents) around the globe about their viewing preferences, how they access content and how they pick the toys they want to play with. The answers provide fascinating insights into entertainment, social awareness and technological preferences around the world....

Italy

Alice, 5 and Niccolò, 2

Alice likes to play with LEGO, the IKEA kids kitchen, PlayDoh and she is crazy about drawing all the time with pencils. Niccolò plays with everything Alice has! He also loves small cars like Hot Wheels or similar... and then he is crazy for his motorbike. In terms of TV they watch SKY and Netflix, cartoons like Masha and Bear, Peppa Pig, Bing, Hey Duggee, etc. Fortunately Alice is still not aware about social media... only with her school friends they talk about a Youtube channel called “Me contro te”, but at home we are not showing this to her. They talk about the gadgets that they see on the show. We don’t find it that good as it is definitely ‘built to sell’! About actual issues, Alice for the moment does not show particular signs of discrimination... I think, school, books, tv, movies made kids “open” and truly equal... let’s see if this will changes when she will grow older a bit more.

Canada

Lily, 10 and Ollie, 7

Oliver loves Lego the most and puzzles. Lily loves all things horsey and arts and crafts. Fave shows on TV: Ollie loves Lego movies/shows (Ninjago), Lily likes “Free Rein” and Heartland. Our TV sources are regular cable, Netflix, movies. Lily is aware of social media, but only has access to Messenger Kids and this was mostly due to the pandemic – so she could connect with her friends while in lockdown. She does not have a cellphone or access to other social media sites. I think Lily is quite aware of social issues as she is a very sensitive soul, inclusivity is important to her as she hates to see people being left out. I love how neither child sees skin colour or any other difference visible or otherwise. I would say their shows don’t address social issues outright, but they contain diversity in a more subtle way (inclusivity). Influence of outside sources on toy choices: Ollie seems to be much more susceptible to TV ads in regards to toys he wants, though he rarely gets them. TV would be the most obvious influence, though school book fairs etc may also have an impact on their game/toy choices.

Australia

Noah, 8 and Patrick, 5

Noah who is 9 in May is obsessed with all things fortnite... he plays the game and watches YouTube to learn all about it. Living where we do he is also very much in sport, he rides his bike and scooter, plays basketball and AFL football and cricket. He likes to draw as well and again goes to YouTube to learn. He uses an iPad at school that we have to provide for learning. Patrick who is 6 in July is still very much into playing, he loves crafts and making things, loves make believe play like shops and schools. Loves playing with cars and vehicles. He does watch some YouTube but we only allow Kids YouTube. He loves Netflix and watches all sorts of kids shows… he is more than happy to sit there and watch TV shows or movies for hours. Noah doesn’t and never has. They are both easily influenced by brands off tv shows.

Dubai

Alice, 4 and Jasper, 2,

Today, what are your children’s favourite toys/games? Jasper’s favourite toys are cars and all toys transport related i.e. cars, trains, planes etc! Alice’s favourite toys are dollies and pretend make up and jewelry things! Very gender specific! And what about what they’re watching – what are the go-to programmes? Alice’s favourite shows are Morphle and a few Disney shows. Jasper is a bit young to have favourites and will happily watch whatever is on! How do they source their content – traditional TV, Netflix, YouTube? Netflix and Youtube on smartTV. How aware do you think children are of pressing issues of today – equality, diversity, inclusivity, etc? Alice has an understanding and appreciation of this albeit at a level that can be expected of a four year old! If your kids have recently shown an interest in a toy/game, is this because of a TV programme/streaming show, or a book, or other? I don’t think so. Current likes and interests seem more likely to stem from friends and what they see at Nursery.

China

TT, 9

TT’s favourite toys are Lego. Coding robots. Science experiment toys. And his go-to programmes are documentaries on food! How does he source content? Tencent, IQIYI, Bilibili. For the older kids, are they aware of social media and if so, which platforms are they present on/want to be involved with? Wechat. TikTok. Safety watch that can make phone calls and voice messages. How aware do you think children are of pressing issues of today – equality, diversity, inclusivity, etc? I think TT is quite aware of those as part of his life, as in the small family we already have the issue of equality, diversity, inclusivity. And do you think the programmes they watch have an influence on this? He watches different programmes from different cultures, which will help him to understand the diversity of the world too. If your kids have recently shown an interest in a toy/game, is this because of a TV programme/streaming show, or a book, or other? Yes, there is always an interest in new toys and games. The influence is more likely from his own interest, or peers/friends influence. Programmes influenced him more when he was little.

Hong Kong

Michael, 8, and James, 10

Today, what are your children’s favourite toys/games? Michael: Toy: Stunt scooter. Games: cluedo, monopoly, mariocart, Zelda. James: Toy: football. Games: Cluedo, monopoly, fifa, Mariocart super smash bros. And what about what they’re watching – what are the go-to programmes? Michael: Thundermans, Alvin and the chipmunks, brainchild. James: Thundermans, Alvin and the chipmunks, brainchild, zumbo just desserts on Netflix. How do they source their content? Netflix, YouTube, NowTv For the older kids, are they aware of social media and if so, which platforms are they present on/want to be involved with? Both Watch YouTube. Michael wants to be a YouTuber. James does not. They are not on any other social media. They don’t like it when we post photos of them on Facebook. How aware do you think children are of pressing issues of today – equality, diversity, inclusivity, etc? They both didn’t know what those words meant but they did know that I support people with learning difficulties through my work at the charity and social enterprises. When asked about is everyone equal they replied they know some people have lots of money and some people live on the streets. Timely because I did a homeless walk the other day and so they’re aware of that. When asked about diversity they think everyone in Hong Kong, different nationalities have the same chance (opportunities for education at school). Lamma island and their school is a melting pot of nationalities so very diverse environments. And do you think the programmes they watch have an influence on this? “Mr Beast on YouTube helps people with no money, charities and plants trees,” says Michael. James said general studies online learning does talk about these things.

UK

Serenity, 6

Today, what are your children’s favourite toys/games? LOL Surprise Dolls, Lego, Barbie. And what about what they’re watching – what are the go-to programmes? Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, Sofia the First, Odd Squad, and Muppet Babies. How do they source their content – traditional TV, Netflix, YouTube? Disney+, Netflix, YouTube How aware do you think children are of pressing issues of today – equality, diversity, inclusivity, etc? We discussed gender equality on International Women’s Day, and racism during the Black Lives Matter protests last year. School also covers these questions so she is definitely aware. And do you think the programmes they watch have an influence on this? Not really as Serenity is more drawn to ‘girly’ programmes. YouTubers influence what Serenity plays with, she will often want a toy after seeing it on YouTube.

Olivia, 8 and Caitlin, 11

Olivia loves soft toys and playing piggy in the middle. Caitlin likes Harry Potter, ginger rabbit, Lego, making dolls house out of junk modelling. Olivia watches Mia and me, Miraculous and they both watch David Attenborough documentaries. Caitlin enjoys Harry Potter. She wants YouTube Kids! They are both very aware of climate change, and Caitlin is also passionate about women’s right and animal rights. David Attenborough has influenced this. In terms of showing interest in toys or games due to a programmes they have seen, Olivia especially so at Christmas, she wanted Miraculous dressing up, VIP pets seen in adverts, horses due to Mia and Me. Caitlin wants Harry Potter anything!

Netherlands

Julius and Stella, 6

Today, what are your children’s favourite toys/games? Julius: Beyblade, Hot Wheels cars, Super Mario game Stella: Make-up doll, color by number game. But both also play outside a lot. And what about what they’re watching – what are the go-to programmes? Julius: Grizzly, Go Dog Go, Beyblade, Avatar, Henry Danger Stella: Go Dog Go, Avatar, Henry Danger, Barbie How do they source their content – traditional TV, Netflix, YouTube? Mostly Netflix, sometimes YouTube How aware do you think children are of pressing issues of today – equality, diversity, inclusivity, etc? I think already quite some, they experience this at school, while playing with their friends and while practising sports. And do you think the programmes they watch have an influence on this? Yes, although my kids are still watching the ‘light’ stuff. They are more influenced by friends and the toys they are playing with.

UK

Edith, 10 and Rosa, 8

Today, what are your children’s favourite toys/games? Sylvanians, Maileg Mice, Ludo board game, Lego Friends, Minecraft, Dungeons and Dragons board game, Harry Potter Lego And what about what they’re watching – what are the go-to programmes? Minecraft Story Mode, Mako Mermaids, Horrible Histories, Junior Bake off, PrestonPlayz Mincraft. How do they source their content – traditional TV, Netflix, YouTube? BBC iPlayer, Netflix and YouTube. They don’t use social media. How aware do you think children are of pressing issues of today – equality, diversity, inclusivity, etc. I would say there is a strong acceptance for social, economic diversity and equality, this is heavily endorsed at school, home and on the shows they choose to watch.. And do you think the programmes they watch have an influence on this? The television they watch demonstrates a good cross section of society. I think it would be fair to say they don’t have a norm when they are describing the family unit, programmes like Horrible Histories make a mockery of past prejudices which has helped to enforce a strong recognition of how far we have come and why it’s so important to their lives. If your kids have recently shown an interest in a toy/game, is this because of a TV programme/streaming show, or a book, or other? Not that I can think of – they have their favourite toys and are always keen to grow those collections, as far as they are concerned you could never possibly have enough Lego or Sylvanians. Saying that they are definitely partial to a catalogue!

UK

Evelyn, 7 and Henry, 5

Evelyn loves puzzles, Hama beads, Loom bands, Lego, she loves junk modelling and making things with cereal boxes etc. Henry: Puzzles and Lego. Evelyn watches PJ Masks, Octonauts, Peter Rabbit, Andy’s Aquarium Adventures. She likes listening to kids groups rip off Spice Girls songs on You Tube Kids. Henry: PJ Masks, Octonauts, Peter Rabbit, Andy’s Aquarium Adventures. Evelyn is definitely aware of pressing issues, especially in terms of BAME. Programmes like Jo Jo and Gran Gran opened up lots of conversations about people of colour.

USA

Eli, 5 and Lauren, 12

His favorite toys right now are snuggly toys. His favorite games are building Legos, Hide and Seek, and Catch the Fox. His go-to programmes are Number Blocks, Alpha Blocks, FGTV to watch people play Amongus, Power Rangers, Paw Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and the Barbie cartoon series. He sources his content through cable TV, Netflix and Youtube. He is five and is only aware on inclusivity. He understands that not everyone has equal access to resources. He learned this through travel to Mexico and seeing how other kids his age struggle. He has show an interest in a Roblox through watching youtube videos of kids playing games. He is also interested in books based on what he reads. He generally looks at the back of the book and often times requests the book suggestions there.

Lauren:

Today, what are your favourite toys/games? My favourite toys and games are Hide and Seek, Snakes and Ladders, and Tag. What are your go-to programmes? I don’t really watch TV, However, when I do it is always Queen’s Gambit and Dawsons Creek. I find them through cable tv and Netflix. I am involved in Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat but I wouldn’t like to be involved with being internet famous. How aware do you think children are of pressing issues of today – equality, diversity, inclusivity, etc? I am aware of equality, diversity, and inclusivity, I am aware because I know and have learned that some people struggle with having a wealthy life and are very poor, I feel bad because I know they work hard and I try to donate them money so they can have meals for the night. And do you think the programmes you watch have an influence on this? I don’t really watch TV included with that kind of story in it so no I do not. But I read the news.

Austria

Bogdan, 14 and Andrei, 11

Bogdan: I was a big fan of Lego when I was younger! I am often playing Chess on my computer and smartphone on the very popular platform Chess.com. I loved The Queen’s Gambit! I also like Pokemon Cards, and for gaming I prefer Pokemon Sword, Apex Legends, Super Mario Odyssey. ATV is popular here in Austria. I love it most because its selection of broadcastet movies is very good in my opinion from Agent 007 to Lucifer. Eurosport is just a great go-to programm if wanting to watch Sports. They are showing a huge variety of championships where I can follow the popular players. I watch a lot Netflix and Youtube. I find the most interesting discussions on “Ted Talks‘‘ about subjects I had no idea existed. I am using social media apps like Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat but I am not a big fan of those and so I am not a very active user. I am pretty aware pressing issues of today, and we discuss them often at school. Andrei: I love playing with Trickscooter, outside. Hill Climb racing 2: Hill Climb racing 2 is a free fun app on the phone where I play car racing, and you can do challenges with friends too. If I’m bored I will go to YouTube. I watch vloggers: Brent Rivera, Ben Azelart because they do a lot of pranks. Sometimes I watch: Dude Perfect, MrBeast, Browney. I used to like Netflix a lot but I now I prefer YouTube more. Some of my most loved TV channels are Nickelodeon and Disney Channel and if I don’t find anything entertaining enough, then I go to other channels where I know that there are always something nice, a movie or a tv series like Navy CIS. I think I am pretty aware of social media. I don’t have any social media apps or accounts except for WhatsApp. I once wanted to have Snapchat but my parents thought I am not old enough to have it. I think every time I want a new toy or game or anything else then it’s probably because I saw it on YouTube or TV. I saw Traxxas on YouTube and I want it badly.