Parents Should Not Give Smartphone Access To Kids Under 11—EE

Parents should not buy smartphones for children under 11, as advised by one of Britain’s largest network providers.

EE, a major mobile network operator in the United Kingdom, recommends that primary school children should not be given smartphones with access to the internet and social media sites. The guidance is introduced due to increasing parental concerns about the risks of kids using social media.

"The initiative comes in response to growing concerns among parents about screen time, online safety, and how digital device usage can affect child wellbeing," the company said in a statement. 

EE advises parents to use "limited capability devices" for their kids, allowing only texts and calls. The company will also require parental controls for teenagers under 16 and limit social media access for children under 13.

ALSO READ: Tips Sa Pagtataguyod Ng Tamang Technology Habits Sa Mga Bata

Too young for smartphones? 

A recent study by the UK communications regulator found that around 25% of British children aged five to seven have a smartphone.

READ: We Asked Top Experts: How Do You 'Detoxify' A Gadget-Addicted Child

In the UK, more parents are opting not to give smartphones to their children when they start secondary school at age 11. While phones are sometimes given for safety during school hours, parents are worried that these devices could expose children to online predators, bullying, social pressure, and other harmful content.

Meanwhile, the average age at which Filipino children first go online is 10 years old, and they are appearing to go online at a progressively younger age, according to UNICEF Philippines' 2021 report.

UNICEF's study also indicate that "one in two children in the Philippines do not feel safe online." This lack of safety may affect their ability to enjoy and benefit from the internet. Yet, "three out of every five children still display their faces on their online profiles, and two out of every five include their address on their profiles."

Perils of plenty of screentime

Screen Dependency Disorder (SDD) refers to the "addictive" effects of screen usage, as explained by Dr. Aric Sigman, a US-based psychologist who authored the study titled Screen Dependency Disorders: A New Challenge for Child Neurology. This condition is also related to Internet Addiction Disorder.

According to Claudette Avelino-Tandoc, a Family Life and Child Development specialist and Early Childhood Education Consultant, even children as young as 3 or 4 years old can develop SDD. In an email interview with Smart Parenting, Avelino-Tandoc explained that children with SDD are those who reach for their gadgets as soon as they wake up and remain glued to the screen while eating, playing games, watching shows, or using apps.

The physical symptoms of SDD include difficulty sleeping, back pain, noticeable weight gain or loss, eye problems, and headaches. On the emotional side, those with SDD may experience anxiety, guilt, depression, and dishonesty. They often prefer to be alone, exhibit mood swings, and have a sense of restlessness, Avelino-Tandoc added.

This serves a reminder that parents must do their part in teaching their kids responsible smartphone usage by setting clear internet usage guidelines, monitoring activities, using parental control tools, and encouraging critical thinking and caution when sharing personal information online.

Parents should also be available to address any concerns and reassure their children that they can seek help if they encounter anything upsetting.

Click here to learn how to guide your child's proper smartphone usage.