Consumer Electronics Association research has proven that most teens couldn't go a day without technology.

It’s a fact that every parent knows, but now it has been verified by one of the world’s leading consumer electronics associations: 80% of teenagers cannot imagine spending a day without technology.

According to new research released recently by the US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), today's teenagers were introduced to technology as toddlers and now rely on consumer electronic products like computers, mobile phones and MP3 players that make their lives easier.

They say that technology helps them keep in touch with friends and family, although three-quarters of claim they don’t spend less time with people due to technology.

Teens fuelling product growth

Teens use their mobile phones for calling, texting, taking photos, movies, listening to music- the ultimate multitaskers.

CEA's director of industry analysis, Steve Koenig acknowledged that teens are comfortable with technology and value the improvements technology makes in their lives.

“As this generation looks for all-in-one features and bigger and better products, they will fuel the growth of the consumer electronics industry," he said.

CEA research shows the average teen expects to spend around $US312 (AU$485.95) on consumer electronic (CE) devices in the next six months. Teens are well versed in a number of CE products and spend approximately four hours per school day devoted to technology related activities.

Because many teenagers live at home where many electronics belong to parents, personal ownership of CE devices among teens is understandably low. Exceptions include lower cost products such as headphones/earbuds, mobile phones and MP3 players, of which teenagers claim sole ownership.

At least half of teen activities technology driven
When asked how they spend their day, the responses revealed that nearly half of teens' activities were driven by technology. Four of their five top activities were technology driven, with listening to music as the most popular activity.

Purchasing (58%), borrowing (56%) or receiving a CD (52%) as a gift are still the primary sources teens get music, with online stores (51%) being a close but secondary source. Purchasing music through online stores has increased 10% since 2006 and teens are accessing music through online sources like YouTube (47%). As teens increase their online time, the CEA reports that there is growth expected in online consumption of music.

Mobile phone most popular product…

Smartphones and laptops are high on teens Christmas wish lists this year.

A quarter (25%) of teens said they expected to purchase a new mobile phone within the next six months, making it their most popular consumer electronic product. When asked to choose only one technology to use for an entire day, teens most often chose mobile phones. Not just used for talking, 70% of teens use their mobile phones for texting and they also use them to access mobile entertainment, shoot videos, listen to music and watch videos.

Over one-third of mobile phone activities are spent accessing and creating content. Based on teens' current mobile phone usage and interest in more advanced features, the CEA has predicted that growth can be expected in teen ownership of smartphones.

…and they want a smartphone for Christmas
Looking specifically at what CE products teens want, an upgraded mobile phone (a smartphone) and an MP3 player were at the top on their list. Additionally, higher ticket consumer electronic products like computers/laptops, video gaming systems and digital cameras would make popular gifts for the holiday season.