81% of children aged between the ages of eight and 11 have a computer at home, just slightly less than the 95% that have a television set at home, according to a new report by market research company Youth Trends.
37% said they have used instant messaging in the last month, while 35% have played games, 31% have visited sites geared toward youngsters, 30% sent an e-greeting card, 23% posted photos, and 18% watched music or video clips. 46% said their parents have bought something for them online.
The research group also asked youngsters about their advertising preferences. 37% expressed a preference for free samples, 24% said they liked catalogues sent via postal mail, and 22% chose movie theatre ads. Just 15% counted TV commercials amongst their preferred forms of advertising, while11% said they liked online ads.