Research indicates 93% of Parents Clash with Children Over Smartphone Use
Published: 15:24, 13 Aug 2025 | Updated: 15:22, 14 Aug 2025
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A recent study conducted by EE reveals a staggering 93% of parents find themselves embroiled in disputes with their children regarding smartphone usage.
As the onset of the new academic year approaches, these disputes are poised to escalate. Whether debating online safety, screen time, or prohibited scrolling during family meals, it is unequivocal that smartphones serve as a catalyst for familial discord.
In response, EE has introduced a complimentary downloadable ‘P.H.O.N.E Contract’, designed to help families establish parameters and guidelines concerning gadget usage.
This initiative launches at a critical juncture, coinciding with the return of children to school post-summer break.
EE estimates that approximately 3.8 million households are gearing up to negotiate the foundational rules of phone usage, with 43% of parents intending to purchase devices for their children ahead of the school year.
Moreover, it is not just about familial disagreements; online safety remains a predominant concern for both parents and children.
When reflecting on their online safety while navigating social media, more than half of adolescents and pre-adolescents harbor significant fears. The foremost apprehension—exposure to scams (51%)—is closely followed by concerns over bullying (50%) and encountering adult content (48%).
In stark contrast, parents cite exposure to adult materials as their paramount fear, with 68% of adults expressing this concern according to the survey.
EE’s findings disclose that screen time continues to be a hot-button issue for families, with over 53% of parents asserting that disagreements regarding this topic arise at least once a month.
Further sources of conflict encompass children utilizing their phones late at night (50%) and distractions from academic responsibilities (47%).
EE’s P.H.O.N.E. Contract delineates circumstances under which children must report any inappropriate behaviors and materials encountered online, including instances of cruelty or the viewing of illegal content.
Furthermore, the Contract stipulates parameters concerning daily device usage, enabling families to set specific limitations on screen time and designate cut-off times for gadgets.
Konnie Huq, television presenter and EE’s Parent Ambassador, asserts, “Every parent understands the trepidation associated with granting their child greater autonomy.”
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“Handing over a smartphone can be a daunting prospect, with myriad risks to consider. EE’s P.H.O.N.E. Contract empowers parents and children to negotiate rules, enabling critical discussions that might not otherwise occur, fostering an environment where families can navigate their digital lives with confidence.”
In addition to the Contract, EE is implementing measures to enhance online safety for youths, including new Safer SIMs designated for individuals under 18, and offering in-store online safety consultations across over 400 locations in the UK.
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