Young people spend more time online than watching TV
The number of young people who own a tablet rose by 50 per cent in the last year. 63 per cent of the 2,000 five to 16-year-olds questioned own their own mobile phone with an average monthly spend of £12.
Simon Leggett, Childwise research director, said this year’s survey showed that, ‘TV viewing has been redefined.’ He said: ‘Growing access to the internet at any time and in any place, and a blurring of television content across channels and devices, brings a landmark change in behaviour this year. Children are now seeking out the content of their choice. They still find traditional TV programmes engaging but are increasingly watching them online and on-demand or binge-watching box sets.’
Responding to the figures, Matt Pearman, a youth worker at Newquay Christian Centre in Redruth, told Premier Youthwork: ‘I do believe we’ve got a role to play in this, in guiding the young people. I was thinking about food and a child. You wouldn’t just stick a load of food with junk food and great food in the basket and say “here, help yourself”. I think it’s the same with the internet. We have a responsibility to guide young people to what’s safe and healthy for them on the internet and how much they use it as well.’
The survey also found Zoella was the top vlogger and Little Mix the most popular music act.
Deep Impact 2016
Almost 300 delegates converged at snowy Aviemore in the highlands of Scotland in January for Deep Impact - Scotland’s Annual Conference for youth and children’s workers.
Kieran Turner, chair of Deep Impact 2016 said: ‘One of the special things about Deep Impact is the breadth of folk who come from every corner of Scotland. This year we had delegates from the Orkney Islands in the north to Dumfries in the south and from a great many denominations. It is a joy to see so many return year after year, willing to invest a full two days of their calendar into this event, eager to learn, grow, share and develop as well as spend times of quiet connecting with God, ready to return to their churches refreshed and better equipped for the year ahead. It really is a pretty remarkable time!’
#lovecalais update
You may have seen the news in recent weeks that many of the refugees in the Calais camp have been moved to a different area. Some are now housed in more permanent, but somewhat ominous looking buildings and some of the tented areas have been bulldozed. We’re happy to confirm that none of the shelters built through our #LoveCalais project have been affected by this, and shelters are still being built across the camp for those who need them. The money raised by youth groups and churches across the country (more than £40,000!) has built almost 80 shelters, housing close to 1000 refugees who have fled to Calais. You’ve made an incredible difference. Thank you.
