In response to rising concerns regarding children’s safety online, the mobile network has recommended that young children should use non-smart devices with limited capability, such as feature phones that allow for texts and phone calls, but block access to social media or inappropriate content.

The initiative comes in response to growing concerns among parents about screen time, online safety, and how digital device usage can affect child wellbeing, with a growing body of research promoting the idea that smartphone and internet usage can negatively impact children’s mental health and behaviour.

In what is thought to be the first time a UK mobile operator has issued such guidance, EE has introduced age-specific banding for smartphone usage which is designed to promote safe and responsible use of technology among young people.

For children aged 11-13, the company advises that if a smartphone is to be used, they should have parental controls enabled, as well as a family-sharing app in place such as Google Family Link or Apple Family Sharing, while restricting access to social media.

EE’s guidance for 13-16-year-olds suggests smartphones are appropriate, but that parental controls should still be used to manage and restrict children’s access to inappropriate sites, content, and platforms. For those children aged 13-16 social media access should be allowed, linked to a parent or guardian’s account.

The move has been backed by charity groups, including Internet Matters, a leading child safety organisation founded by BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media to provide families with resources and expert guidance to help in introducing children to technology.

Internet Matters CEO Carolyn Bunting said: “Parents and guardians want their children to be able to stay connected with them and to experience the benefits of digital technology, but they are also concerned about online safety and wellbeing. 

“Our recent research showed that parents want to make their own decisions about their children’s use of technology, but that many would value guidance to help them in doing so.”

EE’s new guidance is part of a range of measures the company hopes will enhance its existing PhoneSmart platform, an educational course designed to help children learn how to stay safe online.

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These new measures include promoting child-friendly products, such as the Dash+ limited feature phone, enhanced in-app controls for parents, and a dedicated ‘Family Online Safety Hub’, set to launch later this year.

In May, MPs on the education committee recommended that the government ban smartphones for those 16 or younger, citing evidence from Ofcom that six in ten children aged 8 to 12 are signed up to social media platforms with their own profile, and that almost three-quarters of teenagers between ages 13 and 17 have encountered potential harms online.

Earlier this year, the communications watchdog reported that young children were becoming more exposed to violent online content, and that parents were allowing school aged children too much online independence.

Mat Sears, corporate affairs director for EE said: “While technology and connectivity have the power to transform lives, we recognise the growing complexity of smartphones can be challenging for parents and caregivers. 

“They need support, which is why we are launching new guidelines on smartphone usage for under 11s, 11–13-year-olds, and 13 -16-year-olds to help them make the best choices for their children through these formative years.”