Large British telecom operator EE advised parents not to give smartphones to children of primary school age. Instead, the company recommends switching to 'disabled' devices, without access to social media.
EE has issued guidance for children under 11, suggesting parents buy them 'text-only devices' or call». The operator stated that this offer — a response to growing parental concerns about increasing screen time and children's online safety.
EE also recommended that smartphones used by children aged 11 and over include parental controls to limit access to social media, and also “to inappropriate sites, content and platforms”. It is the first time a UK telecom operator has issued such advice on smartphone use.
Meanwhile, around a dozen secondary schools in south London have jointly introduced a ban on the use of smartphones during classes, affecting more than 13,000 pupils. Previously, the prestigious Eton College banned first-year students from using smartphones and demanded that they be replaced by Nokia phones with limited functionality.