EE Warns Parents Against Smartphones for Children Under 11

EE, one of the UK’s largest mobile operators, has advised parents against giving smartphones to children under 11, recommending instead that they use basic “dumb” phones that only allow calls and texts, The Guardian reported yesterday.

This guidance comes as many parents face pressure to purchase phones for their children as the new school year approaches.

According to Ofcom, 90% of children own a mobile phone by age 11, and 60% of children aged 8 to 12 have social media profiles despite age restrictions. Concerns about excessive screen time have led MPs to propose a total ban on smartphones for under-16s and restrictions on mobile phone use in schools.

For children aged 11 to 13, EE suggests enabling parental controls on smartphones, while for those aged 13 to 16, it recommends continued use of controls to limit access to inappropriate content. Carolyn Bunting from Internet Matters emphasized that parents seek guidance on managing their children’s technology use.