One of the UK’s largest mobile network providers has warned parents against getting smartphones for kids aged under 11.
The advice from EE comes amid a growing campaign to limit usage of the devices for young children, due to the potential impact on their mental health and risks of exposure to troubling online content.
A study by Ofcom in April found that almost a quarter of five to seven-year-olds now own a smartphone.
EE’s recommendations include giving primary school-aged children only ‘limited capability devices’ without access to the internet or social media sites.
And parents who choose to give smartphones to under-16s are advised to enable parental control features.
Those with kids aged under 13 should restrict their access to social media in general, the company said.
Its staff will be trained on the new guidance in the coming days and weeks, although smartphone sales will not be age-restricted.
Mat Sears, corporate affairs director for EE, said: ‘While technology and connectivity have the power to transform lives, we recognise the growing complexity of smartphones can be challenging for parents and caregivers.
‘They need support, which is why we are launching new guidelines on smartphone usage for under 11s, 11 to 13-year-olds, and 13 to 16-year-olds to help them make the best choices for their children through these formative years.’
Campaigners, charities and politicians argue that the easy access to social media and the wider internet provided by smartphones has contributed to a mental health crisis among youngsters.
More than four in five (83%) of parents said in a survey by charity Parentkind earlier this year that they feel smartphones are ‘harmful’ to children and young people, and 58% support a mobile phone ban for under-16s.
Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, is among those who have campaigned for an age limit to smartphone usage and stricter controls on access to social media apps.
In May, the House of Commons Education Committee called on the government to consider a total ban on phones for under-16s – but Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last month he does not support the move.
Carolyn Bunting, chief executive of online safety group Internet Matters, described EE’s advice as ‘timely and much-needed’.
She added: ‘Parents and guardians want their children to be able to stay connected with them and to experience the benefits of digital technology, but they are also concerned about online safety and wellbeing.
‘Our recent research showed that parents want to make their own decisions about their children’s use of technology, but that many would value guidance to help them in doing so.
‘It is fantastic that EE is supporting parents with age-specific advice to support children’s diverse technology needs.’
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