- EE’s survey finds 1 in 3 children under 11 want a smartphone, with nine-year-olds leading the demand.
- EE highlights the importance of safe, age-appropriate digital introductions and provides parental resources.
What happened: EE survey highlights rising smartphone demand among young children
EE’s recent survey highlights the growing pressure parents face during the festive season as young children increasingly request smartphones. According to the study, one-third of children under 11 hope to receive a smartphone for Christmas, with nine-year-olds leading the demand at 37%.
Surprisingly, even four-year-olds are asking for smart devices, with 21% expressing interest. In response, 17% of parents are considering giving their children feature phones as a safer alternative, while others plan to fulfil these wishes by their child’s next birthday. EE has positioned itself to support families by offering devices with built-in safety features and tools like parental controls to help manage screen time and online safety.
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Why it’s important
The growing demand for smartphones among young children underscores the need for a balanced approach to technology introduction. EE’s Director of Mobile, Alex Cornett, emphasises that children should have a gradual and age-appropriate entry into the digital world, particularly during this festive period.
Partnering with organisations like Internet Matters, EE offers resources to help parents navigate tricky conversations and equip them to make informed decisions about their children’s technology use. This trend also reflects broader concerns about children’s safety online, with 79% of parents expressing worry about their teens’ smartphone habits.
By prioritising safety and education, EE aims to empower families while addressing a critical societal issue.
