EE, a leading mobile network provider in the UK, has introduced new advice suggesting that primary school-aged children should avoid smartphones. This guidance aims to improve children’s “digital wellbeing” amid rising concerns from parents about the impact of digital devices on young minds.
Emphasis on Basic Phones
Owned by BT, EE recommends that children under 11 use basic mobile phones—sometimes referred to as “brick” phones—that only allow calls and texts. This recommendation aligns with the start of the school year and reflects growing anxiety over smartphones’ effects on children’s mental health and behavior.
EE’s advice responds to worries that smartphones can expose children to harmful content, reduce attention spans, and lead to a decline in traditional activities like playing outside and socializing face-to-face.
EE suggests that primary school children should use phones with limited capabilities instead of smartphones with internet access. For those aged 16 and under, the company advises using smartphones with parental controls. For children under 13, EE recommends blocking access to social media. These measures are designed to “safeguard children in the digital world,” according to EE.
This guidance comes amid concerns that excessive smartphone use can contribute to mental health problems and expose children to online dangers. The recommendations reflect a broader push for stricter online protections for young people.
Parental Support and Corporate Responsibility
Mat Sears, EE’s corporate affairs director, highlighted the company’s commitment to helping parents and caregivers. He told the BBC that children under 11 do not need the advanced features of a smartphone, suggesting that simpler “feature phones” are more appropriate. This aligns with Ofcom research showing that about 25% of children aged five to seven now own a smartphone, and nearly all children by age 11 have some form of mobile phone.
Sears acknowledged that smartphones could be suitable for children aged 11 to 13 but stressed caution regarding social media use. For teens aged 13 to 16, he advised parents to monitor their social media apps and implement parental controls and privacy settings to manage screen time.
The new guidelines have received support from various advocates, including Clare Fernyhough, co-founder of the campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood. Fernyhough praised EE’s advice as a step towards questioning the norm that children need smartphones. She supports simpler devices that are less addictive and has called for better age verification mechanisms on devices.
Legislative Context and Global Trends
The UK government has been working on legislation like the Online Safety Act to protect children from harmful online content, though this law will not be enforced until 2025. Critics argue that more immediate action is needed.
Globally, some countries are adopting stricter measures. France, Italy, and the Netherlands have banned smartphones in schools, while China has proposed limiting screen time for minors to address excessive use.
In the UK, there have been discussions about a potential ban on smartphones for under-16s. The Commons education committee proposed such a ban in May, reflecting growing concerns about digital wellbeing. However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed skepticism about an outright ban, suggesting instead that the government should focus on reviewing online content accessible to children.
In Ireland, parents from eight primary schools in County Wicklow agreed to withhold smartphones from their children until they start secondary school. This initiative aims to reduce peer pressure and encourage a healthier lifestyle less reliant on digital devices.
