Parents are turning to smart tech to prove Santa exists

24 December 2019, 08:22

Technology is increasingly replacing mince pies as a Santa detector
Technology is increasingly replacing mince pies as a Santa detector. Picture: PA
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

The days of putting a mince pie out for Santa could be long gone as children are increasingly turning to technology to find hints

As technology becomes an increasing part of home life with voice assistants and smart devices more prevalent in homes, many parents are turning to devices to show that Father Christmas exists, according to a survey of over 1,002 parents by Hive.

Two-thirds (67%) indicated they have used technology to convince their child that Santa has stopped by, with almost a quarter (24%) using smart technology such as indoor security cameras, motion cameras and voice assistants.

Children often like to track Santa
Children often like to track Santa. Picture: PA

Seven in 10 parents of children aged five to 11 years old indicate that they have used an online Santa tracker to show his busy journey across the world delivering presents.

Meanwhile, 60% have received a special phone call with Father Christmas - provided they made it on the good list.

"Our Christmas Detectives study shows that when it comes to Father Christmas, it's clear that, seeing-is-believing, and so it's fitting that British parents are looking for innovative ways to prove he has paid a visit," said Peter Simon, managing director of Hive.

More Technology News

See more More Technology News

Three and Vodafone

VodafoneThree promises better coverage at ‘no extra cost’ within months

The Khankhuuluu species weighed 750 kilograms, about the size of a horse

Newly discovered ‘Dragon Prince’ dinosaur rewrites history of T.rex

Aviation technology company Sita said 33.4 million bags were mishandled in 2024, compared with 33.8 million during the previous year.

Airlines lose fewer bags as tracking tech takes off as bosses say passengers expect similar service to a 'delivery app'

A woman using a mobile phone

Shoppers urged by Which? to consider protections when using ‘pay by bank’

Social media app icons displayed on an Apple iPhone

Social media giants can ‘get on’ and tackle fraud cases, says City watchdog

Experts have warned about the risks posed by period tracking apps (Alamy/PA)

Experts warn of risks linked to period tracker apps

Data (Use and Access) Bill

Lords’ objections to Data Bill over copyright threatens its existence – minister

A primary school teacher looking stressed next to piles of classroom books

Pupils could gain more face-to-face time with teachers under AI plans

A self-driving Uber equipped with cameras and sensors drives the streets of Washington, DC

Uber to launch self-driving taxis in London next spring

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle

Investments in UK tech sector will create hundreds of jobs, says Government

Rachel Reeves, left, wearing a lab coat and putting on some disposable gloves with Peter Kyle, both standing next to a microscope

Rachel Reeves to announce £86bn for science and technology in spending review

View of the Alphawave Semi logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen

Alphawave agrees £1.8bn takeover by America’s Qualcomm

The TikTok logo displayed on a phone

TikTok creating more than 500 new British jobs as UK users top 30 million

Starmer visit to London Tech Week conference

Sir Keir Starmer vows to overcome sceptical public on ‘harnessing power’ of AI

A sign for the Post Office

More than £1 billion paid to those wronged by Horizon scandal, Government says

One in three employers believe AI will boost productivity

‘Significant challenges’ in use of AI within UK screen sector