More children aged between three and five can play a computer game or navigate a smartphone than tie their shoes or swim unaided, according to research into children’s digital skills by AVG Technologies.

The supplier’s AVG Digital Diaries research revealed that 66% of children aged between three and five are able to play a computer game and 47% can navigate a smartphone, yet only 14% can tie their shoes and just 23% can swim unaided.

The study interviewed more than 6,000 mothers across 10 countries about how their children use the internet and smart devices.

"This research shows us that knowing how to use digital devices is almost a birthright now," said Chris Brauer, director of innovation in the institute of management studies at Goldsmiths, University of London.

"The challenge parents and society face, augmented by security and privacy technologies, is where this goes next. It's similar when teaching a child to read. Learning to read is the first challenge, but it is what you do with that skill that determines its value and risks."