A NEW survey has revealed the latest trends in how county children are accessing the internet.

The survey, which involved more than 60 schools and 19,000 pupils from across the UK, was carried out by Worcestershire based Catshill Learning Partnerships along with education technology association Naace.

The results of the survey show that children of all ages use a wide range of devices, with tablets being the popular choice for primary school children while the smartphone is the choice of secondary school pupils.

The results also showed that more than half of six-year-olds use a laptop to get online, and that games consoles are used mostly by 10 to 11-year-old.

Edtech and online safety consultant, Brett Laniosh, from Catshill Learning Partnerships said: “We now know that children are using a wide range of technology to get online at home, but the findings for younger children will surprise many.

"The fact that so many four and five-year-olds are using smartphones and tablets to access what could be unfiltered content is of concern.

“I would encourage schools to heed the advice of the Children’s Commissioner and establish digital leaders in school to get young people involved with the delivery of online safety education.

"For parents, it is vital to speak with your children to find out what hardware they have access to and which ones are being used to access online content. The discussion should also cover whether they are being used appropriately."

The full results of the survey are being released next week, ahead of Safer Internet Day this February.