EE Advises Against Smartphones for Primary School Children

In a significant move addressing growing concerns about children's online safety, EE, one of Britain's largest mobile networks, has advised against providing smartphones to primary school children. This recommendation comes as part of a broader initiative to guide parents on age-appropriate technology usage for their children.

EE suggests that children under 11 should be given "brick" phones, which only allow for texting and calling. This advice aligns with research indicating that nearly two-thirds of children aged 8-11 already possess smartphones, raising concerns about potential online risks and tech addiction.

For children aged 11-13, EE recommends enabling parental controls if smartphones are used. The guidance also suggests restricted access to social media and the use of family-sharing apps. For teenagers aged 13-16, smartphones are deemed appropriate, but with parental controls to manage access to inappropriate content.

"While technology and connectivity have the power to transform lives, we recognise the growing complexity of smartphones can be challenging for parents and caregivers."

This initiative comes in response to calls from bereaved families, online campaigners, and MPs for stricter controls on children's access to smartphones and social media. The tragic case of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old murdered in 2023 by two teenagers, one of whom had watched graphic torture videos online, has further fueled these concerns.

Esther Ghey, Brianna's mother, has advocated for devices with simple safeguarding and parental controls for children under 16. Her plea highlights the potential vulnerabilities that smartphone addiction can create in young users.

The guidance, which will be implemented in EE stores and online from August 25, 2024, has been welcomed by charities such as Internet Matters. Carolyn Bunting, the organization's chief executive, described the initiative as "timely" and "much needed."

As of April 2024, Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, reported that 25% of children aged 3-7 own smartphones, a figure that rises to 59% for 8-11 year-olds and 95% for 12-15 year-olds. These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing children's online safety.

The government has expressed its determination to keep children safe online, with plans to implement protections from the Online Safety Act as soon as possible. However, they emphasize the importance of empowering parents to make informed choices about their children's technology use.

As smartphone usage continues to rise globally, with over 6.8 billion users worldwide in 2024, the need for guidance on children's technology use becomes increasingly critical. Studies have shown that excessive smartphone use can lead to sleep problems, decreased attention span, and increased rates of anxiety and depression in teenagers.

The average person now spends about 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phone daily, highlighting the potential for addiction. Some tech executives, particularly in Silicon Valley, have taken steps to limit their own children's access to technology, recognizing the potential risks.

As the debate on children's smartphone use continues, EE's guidance represents a significant step towards promoting safer and more responsible technology use among young people. It remains to be seen how other mobile networks and tech companies will respond to this growing concern for children's digital well-being.