Kids as young as 5 are now asking Alexa for help with their homework on a regular basis

Children are using more connected devices than ever before such as smart speakers, according to a recent study by Ofcom.

The proportion of those aged five to 15 who use voice-activated speakers has jumped from 15 to 27 per cent in a year, while radio use has fallen from 26 to 22 per cent.

Research by the media regulator found children were shunning the radio in favour of asking digital assistants to tell them jokes and ask for help with their homework. Children’s viewing habits are also changing radically, with almost twice as many children watching streaming content than they did five years ago.

The Greta Effect

Ofcom conducted over 3,500 interviews with children and parents nationwide to discover how five to 15 year olds are using the internet and traditional media.

The study uncovered three notable online trends over the last year including the rise of the "Greta effect", the "vlogger next door" and an increase in girl gamers.