As young people navigate an increasingly digital world, finding peace and quiet has become a priority. That’s according to the latest Playground Buzz report from media research firm Childwise, which surveyed more than 1,500 British kids ages seven to 17 to get a read on what they’re talking about, engaging with and prioritizing in their daily lives. 

One of the most revealing trends is an increasing need for downtime. Given the fast-paced nature of school, social media and extracurriculars, more children are gravitating toward activities that offer relaxation and comfort, notes Childwise.

Kids said music was their top source of calm, followed by art, drawing and coloring, while football, family, crocheting, figure skating, Fortnite and camping were also mentioned. And reading is playing an increasingly important role, with book series such as Percy Jackson and Lottie Brooks called out specifically. 

Notably, books appeared as a new entry in the favorites chart for younger boys, while holding steady at number six with younger girls and creeping up to number eight with older girls. 

Childwise sees a larger societal movement towards self-care in the results, although researchers acknowledge that the timing of the study may have played a role (data collection took place in fall 2024—a busy time of year leading up to Halloween and Christmas).

That’s not to say that kids have abandoned the small screen, however. Gaming continues to dominate the time kids spend on entertainment. Roblox and games like FC25 (the latest installment in the FIFA series) remain at the top of Childwise’s gaming charts, with influence extending well beyond game platforms and consoles. Young gamers are increasingly engaging with related content on social media, particularly TikTok, where creators share gameplay clips, challenges and tutorials. This crossover is promising to turn gaming into a communal, social experience versus a solitary pastime.

While the top three social media platforms remain consistent—TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat were favored by each age of the survey group—TikTok in particular appears to be driving some wider trends. For example, the platform has fueled the resurgence of leopard print and bows in fashion, while also introducing the ‘Brat’ aesthetic—a rebellious, DIY-inspired movement sparked by Charli XCX’s album of the same name.

Photo by Drew Perales via Unsplash.