Kids Spend More On Txting

Source: 160characters.org

In spite of the rise of ringtones and other data services, messaging still accounts for 85% of all youth data revenues accoring to a the mobileYouth 2005 report. The report says that the 'sweet spot' for messaging is among the 15-19 yr olds and is a $26.6 billion dollar market that looks set to increase $12 billion by 2007. In spite of the growth of rintones, games and other mobile content services, this still only represents 15% of the revenues on data services from teenagers. According to mobileYouth the four largest markets are Japan, USA, Germany and the UK and by 2007 will represent half of all youth messaging revenues.

SMS is still more popular that MMS because it requires minimal effort and has the required effect of quick communication. Of the $26.6 billion spent on messaging in 2005 by youth, only $565 million (2%) was MMS. (it's a case of efficiency over applications)
Parents ignore health risks
The report says that there are now 13 million young people in the UK with a mobile phone and as many as 9 million under the age of 15.

Despite concerns regarding the side effects of mobile phone usage on children raised in the government-backed The Stewart Enquiry just last month, it is parents who are responsible for the increase. 95% of under 14 year olds having received their mobile phone from their parents. The average age that a UK child will now obtain their first mobile phone is down to just 8 years.

Although 63% of parents are expressing concern about the possible health risks to their children and 72% are worried about their children getting into serious debt, the report finds that mobile phone sales will continue.

Parents concerns over being able to keep in touch with their children and security are the main reasons behind their decision to give their child a mobile phone. 78% of children and young people surveyed claim that they feel safer with a mobile and 73% have actually used their mobile phones in an emergency. mobileYouth2005
Spend Spend Spend
Some British teenagers are spending £300 GBP a year on their mobile phones including ringtones, text messaging and downloading games. This has led to rising concern about young people getting themselves or their parents into debt.

The is the third mobileYouth.org annual report on the state of the industry and is published by Wireless World Forum.