Children born after the millennium are a generation of self-starting tech entrepreneurs, according to a new study conducted by Gadget Show Live, the UK’s largest technology exhibition.
Almost a third (31.4%) say their school-aged children are inspired by entrepreneurs they follow on social media, with one in ten (9.8%) reporting that their enterprising offspring are already making money through the Internet. One in twelve, for instance, says their child is a YouTube star.
Not content with just sticking to the school syllabus, the findings reveal that children are taking the initiative to develop their tech knowledge. A third (33.6%) of parents surveyed say their children have taught themselves key technology skills like coding or design from the Internet. Nearly a quarter (23.2%) have children that have invented or discussed ideas for a new computer game (23.2%), gadget (22.8%) or app (20.4%) and a fifth (20.3%) that have built their own website.
The research reveals a major knowledge gap between the generations as more than four in ten (42.3%) parents name their children the family’s chief tech experts. Two thirds (67.6%) admit they consult their resident ‘teen help desk’ for advice on everyday tech tasks like setting up new devices, purchasing streaming services or getting up to speed with new social media platforms.
With many children being the family’s Chief Tech Officer, nearly a third (32.5%) of parents believe their children don’t make a connection between the technology they use in their everyday lives and pursuing a career in tech. With the survey revealing that three in ten (31%) parents don’t feel confident giving their children advice about careers in technology, experts at Gadget Show Live have sourced seven telltale signs from key education industry figures that may point to a child having the makings of a next Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg:
- A child with a knack for spotting differences or trends in the patterns of any type of data or activity is likely to be good at problem solving and a potential opportunist – Stacey Watkins, Advanced Computer Software Group
- Doesn’t tend to just stand back and watch, but instead tries to come up with solutions to problems not only they face, but others do, too – Jacquelyn Guderley, Stemettes
- Shows a willingness to embrace change – Lora Schellenberg, Girls in Tech
- Being unafraid to fail and appreciating that experience can be gained from mistakes and wrong decisions – Livia Jozsa, INDE
- Whether they’re building Lego robots or cardboard rockets, showing creativity is a great sign of innovation potential – Aurelia Hibbert, Cambridge University Eco Racing
- Being innately curious, such as wanting to understand how a device works rather than just using it – Yasmin Bey, European Digital Girl of the Year
- Demonstrating the ability to collaborate and work together in a team – Lora Schellenberg, Girls in Tech)
Careers Day at Gadget Show Live takes place on Thursday 31st March and is aimed at children and parents, school groups and teachers, youth groups and leaders. The day is designed to provide practical, up-to-the-minute advice with speakers from leading STEM campaigning organisations and a line-up of rising young tech stars.
Gadget Show Live Event Director Sally Bent commented: “Our research shows that tech skills amongst young people in the UK are booming, and the country may well be the next hub for tech entrepreneurs in the future. The impressive numbers of ambitious young people teaching themselves core skills such as coding and design alongside stats that show that nearly a quarter of children are coming up with new apps, gadgets or services reveals a generation that is challenging the status quo and hungry to innovate.”
Gadget Show Live takes place from 31st March – 3rd April at the NEC Birmingham. It offers a host of content aimed at children including robot-building workshops, cutting-edge designs from home-grown inventors, a gaming theatre, and the latest gadgets and consumer technology trends.
Tickets are on sale now at www.gadgetshowlive.net. With prices start at £16.99 (adults) and £9.99 (children).
