EE issues smartphone warning to parents of under-11s | Tech News [Video]

One of the UK’s largest mobile network providers has warned parents against getting smartphones for kids aged under 11.

The advice from EE comes amid a growing campaign to limit usage of the devices for young children, due to the potential impact on their mental health and risks of exposure to troubling online content.

A study by Ofcom in April found that almost a quarter of five to seven-year-olds now own a smartphone.

EE’s recommendations include giving primary school-aged children only ‘limited capability devices’ without access to the internet or social media sites.

And parents who choose to give smartphones to under-16s are advised to enable parental control features.

Those with kids aged under 13 should restrict their access to social media in general, the company said.

Its staff will be trained on the new guidance in the coming days and weeks, although smartphone sales will not be age-restricted.

Mat Sears, corporate affairs director for EE, said: ‘While …