LONDON: EE, one of the UK’s largest mobile network operators, has announced new guidelines advising parents against giving smartphones to children under the age of 11. The company is responding to growing parental concerns about the potential negative effects of early smartphone access.

The guidelines follow a study by the UK communications regulator Ofcom, which found that around 25% of UK children aged between five and seven now own a smartphone. In light of these findings, EE has issued recommendations to help parents navigate the challenges associated with smartphone use by young children.

Under EE’s new guidelines, children are advised to use “capable devices” that only allow basic functions such as texting and calling. For teenagers aged 11 to 16, EE recommends enabling parental controls and restricting social media access for those under 13.

The decision reflects a growing trend among British parents who are increasingly questioning the necessity and safety of smartphones for their children, particularly as they move from primary to secondary school at the age of 11.

Many parents argue that while smartphones may be justified for safety reasons – for example in emergencies – they also expose children to potential dangers such as online predators, cyberbullying, social pressure and harmful content.

Mat Sears, Corporate Affairs Director at EE, understands the challenges parents face in controlling their children’s smartphone use. “While technology and connectivity can change lives, we recognise that the increasing complexity of smartphones can present challenges for parents and guardians,” said Sears.

“They need support. That’s why we’re introducing new smartphone usage guidelines for under-11s, 11-13s and 13-16s to help them make the best decisions for their children during these formative years.”

The debate about children’s smartphone use is further fueled by the concerns of experts such as US author Jonathan Haidt. In his recent book, The Anxious Generation, Haidt argues that smartphones have significantly altered children’s cognitive development and social interactions.

He advocates that access to smartphones should only be permitted from the age of 14 and the use of social media from the age of 16. He believes that such measures could be made more effective through joint action by parents.

Haidt stressed the importance of a unified approach from parents to create a social norm that discourages early smartphone use. “These things are difficult for a single parent to do. But if we all do it together – even if just half of us together – it will be much easier for our children,” he noted.