"No Smartphone Use for Children Under 11"… UK Mobile Telecom Industry Warning

Children Under 13 Should Be Restricted from Using SNS
Parents Should Control Smartphones for Those Under 16

The UK mobile telecommunications industry has issued a warning against giving smartphones to children under the age of 11.

According to AFP on the 25th (local time), EE, a major UK mobile carrier, is set to release new guidelines recommending that children be given only limited-function phones that allow texting and calling.

EE plans to enable parents to control smartphones for teenagers under 16 and to recommend restricting social networking service (SNS) use for those under 13.

According to the UK communications regulator, about one in four children aged 5 to 7 in the UK own a smartphone. Most UK parents buy smartphones for their children when they transition from elementary to secondary school.

Many argue that smartphones are necessary for safety reasons, such as emergency contact during commutes to and from school. On the other hand, there is a strong voice advocating for limiting smartphone use to prevent exposure to online crime, bullying, and harmful content.

Matt Sears, Director of Operations at EE, stated, "The connectivity of technology has the power to transform lives," but also noted, "As the complex features of smartphones increase, parents and guardians may face difficulties."