More than half of British parents regret giving their children unrestricted access to a mobile phone, new research has found, with concerns about online safety on the rise.
According to a survey by Lebara Mobile, 52% say they would approach the milestone differently if they could do it again, including imposing greater restrictions on social media and apps. Meanwhile, 46% admit 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 (12%).
Safety concerns and the need for connectivity
The findings come as social media giants face renewed scrutiny in US courts over the safety of children online. Excessive screen time, harmful content and access to strangers are among parents' biggest concerns, according to the research.
Despite the potential pitfalls, parents do believe it is necessary for kids to have mobile access. As children prepare to start secondary school for the first time, many parents feel a mobile phone is necessary for their 11-year-olds.
Parental perspectives on the right age
Anna Wood, 44, from Haslemere in 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.”
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.”
Expert advice and practical tips
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.
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.”
The advice includes starting smaller than you think, setting the rules before handing it over, talking about content rather than just screen time, keeping phones out of the bedroom overnight, and giving children reasons to put the phone down through sport, hobbies, time outside, games and family activities.
