An international survey of 10,000 parents, including 2,000 in the UK, found that more than half regretted handing over a smartphone to their child. Parents felt it impeded family engagement, hindered children’s sleep, reduced their physical exercise and limited time socialising with their friends.
For children aged 11 to 13, EE’s guidance advises that if a smartphone is to be used, they should have parental controls enabled. Restricted access to social media is also recommended, as is using a family-sharing app such as Google Family Link or Apple Family Sharing.
For 13- to16-year-olds, it suggests smartphones are appropriate, but that parental controls should be used to manage and restrict children’s access to inappropriate sites. Teenagers should be allowed to join social media platforms , it says, but the guidance suggests it should be linked to a parent or guardian’s account.