and conditions say they have. companies are now under a legal obligation to take steps to keep those children safe. its report found nearly a quarter of five to seven year olds now have a smartphone, and most have tablets. whatsapp was the most popular social app for five to seven—year—olds, followed by tiktok. more than a third of parents said they would allow their child to have a social media profile before the official age set by companies. ten years ago it was all about the selfie, but now it's get ready with me videos that are drawing children in, especially girls. there's something about watching someone do their makeup and have a chat that feels like you're with friends. but while children are happy to watch this content and share it, they're more self—conscious about posting their own stuff online, the report found. and around half of under 13—year—olds were prepared to lie about their age to get on social media. some parents say they feel safer knowing their children have phones. but clare fernyhough from the smartphone free childhood