The age of Chinese minors exposed to the internet is getting younger, while 64.2 percent of pupils have their own mobile phone, said a report published on Sept. 10, China News reported.

The report, released by the China Youth Development Service Center together with the China National Youth Palace Association, revealed that the internet usage rate among Chinese minors reached 98.1 percent in 2017.

2017 statistics also showed that today, almost 72 percent of Chinese minors use the internet before the age of 10, a significant rise compared with 55.9 percent in 2010. The figure for those using the internet under the age of seven reached 27.9 percent.

The report also pointed out that 73.1 percent of Chinese minors have their own mobile phones, with the figure for primary, elementary and high school students reaching 64.2 percent, 71.3 percent and 86.9 percent, respectively.

Additionally, WeChat has replaced TV as the primary news source for Chinese youngsters and is favored by younger children as a social media tool, while senior students prefer the platform QQ.

The report also revealed that nearly 52.4 percent of Chinese minors believe the internet helps with their school work.