Research: Screen time replacing pocket money
November 15, 2022
Research from Sky Mobile has revealed that traditional pocket money is no longer king, with 4 in 5 parents (84 per cent) now turning to alternative ‘payments’ with extra screentime on devices (18 per cent), sweet treats (13 per cent) and in-game purchases (13 per cent) coming out on top.
The study found that half of parents surveyed have completely replaced traditional cash as a reward, with 56 per cent choosing to give other treats to stop their kids spending their money all in one go, and 44 per cent preferring alternative methods as it is cheaper.
While some parents are still giving money, over a third (36 per cent) would consider switching to other rewards as a savvy alternative.
Top ten alternative pocket money rewards:
- Extra screentime (i.e., mobile phone, tablet, laptop)
- Chocolate/sweets
- In-game purchases e.g., Fortnite
- Being allowed friends round
- A shopping trip
- A later bedtime
- New clothes
- A takeaway
- Mobile data for their phone
- A trip out e.g., to the beach
While 1 in 10 (10 per cent) parents already share extra data as a thank you, 43 per cent wish that their mobile network offered data sharing to reward their kids with ‘data pocket money.’ In fact, it’s been revealed children ask for extra mobile phone data three times a month, and of those who can share data on their mobile network, the going rate per chore is 3GBs – helping to keep youngsters connected and entertained.
Paul Sweeney, Managing Director of Sky Mobile, said: “Rewards for children helping around the house can come in all shapes and sizes, and for the modern-day kid, money isn’t always top of the list. So, to help make it easier, parents on Sky Mobile can share spare data with other SIMs on their account, including their kids, as a thank you.”
Pocket Money Rewards
Looking around the country, parents from London are found to be replacing pocket money with extra screen time (39 per cent) and mobile data (25 per cent) the most.
And almost a third of families living near the West Midlands are indulging their child’s sweet tooth, seeing sweet treats and chocolates (30 per cent) as the biggest incentive for getting a helping hand.
While children may need some encouragement, their helpfulness isn’t going ignored with them earning £15 on average every month – reaping the rewards from their parents on a weekly basis (39 per cent).