More than half of British parents would handle their child's first mobile phone differently if they could do it again, according to new research on online safety concerns.
The survey by Lebara Mobile found that 52% of parents would impose greater restrictions on social media and apps if given a second chance. Meanwhile, 46% admitted feeling worried about giving their child their first mobile, with 24% ranking it as the most stressful decision among major milestones — far ahead of getting a first car at 12%.
Parental concerns and growing scrutiny
Excessive screen time, harmful content and access to strangers are among parents' biggest concerns, the research found. The findings come as social media giants face renewed scrutiny in US courts over the safety of children online.
Despite these worries, many parents feel a mobile phone is necessary for their 11-year-olds as they prepare to start secondary school. Anna, 44, from Surrey, gave her daughter her first phone when she turned 11, primarily as she started travelling more independently.
She said: “The reason we decided for her to have a phone was primarily for her safety, to allow her to contact us and be contactable when needed. Also to allow us to track her, as we knew she’d be walking and using the bus without us.”
No universal right age
Anna chose to keep Facebook and Instagram off-limits and limit YouTube use but says there is no universal right age for a first phone. Her second child turns 11 in December, but she plans to wait: “It’s completely down to whether you think your child is ready. He is not ready for a phone, so we will be holding off.”
To help families navigate the milestone, Lebara Mobile has teamed up with Sim Shamu, Child Behaviour Specialist at pbsaba.co.uk, to provide practical advice. Sim says parents should treat a first phone as the beginning of a learning process rather than a one-off handover, gradually increasing children's independence as they demonstrate they are ready.
Practical tips for first phones
Mayur Jauhari, Commercial Director at Lebara Mobile UK, added: “Starting secondary school is a huge step towards independence and, for many families, it’s when a first phone becomes a practical necessity. Parents want the reassurance of knowing their child can call home and stay connected, but our research shows the decision comes with plenty of uncertainty too.”
Lebara Mobile has also published five tips for healthy first-phone habits: start smaller than you think, set the rules before handing it over, talk about content rather than just screen time, keep phones out of the bedroom overnight, and give children reasons to put the phone down through sport, hobbies, time outside, games and family activities.
