Policies, Smartphones & Kids
I've been reticent to post on this, as I've wanted to assess the reaction before saying anything, but now 2 weeks after we revealed our new policy I'm so pleased to see how it's landed, both inside at BT,EE and also outside with media and the public - helping to move forward such an important debate. .
At the beginning of the year a few of us 英国电信集团 and EE felt our existing position on Smartphones and children was not strong enough . The question of age appropriate content, and smartphone set up for kids was being asked of us repeatedly, and prominent figures and influential bodies were pushing Government and the regulator to do more.
With smartphone usage continuing to rise, it’s also clear from Ofcom's latest research that users are getting younger. Parents and carers are looking for clarity, and large businesses like ours are being asked to step up and do more.
Plus - As a parent I also see the constant negotiations (and occasional arguments!) about what should be allowed and what shouldn't. Being a tech enthusiast, (while also working closely with online safety experts Internet Matters) I seem to be the natural go-to for advice, and guidance from friends, peers and family, which can at times be really quite challenging, as so many have differing views.
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So, while it took a little longer than expected, (and I'll be first to admit it doesnt work for everyone) we published our guidance and program, just in time for return to school. One notable point here, was our view that Smartphones are not necessary for the under 11 age group.
This really is just the beginning. In publishing the guidance, we kicked off the first phase of a much broader program and position which I hope will grow over the next few years at EE - all designed around being a far more responsible and personal Connectivity business, offering clear support, guidance and products for parents and carers on Smartphone and Tech usage for kids.
With thanks to Hannah Nascimento , Helen Burrows Amber Lavelle Phy Adjei - McCarthy for working so hard to get this this through. Its the first step in the right direction .. Thanks too, to Catrina Adams and The Academy PR for the incredible awareness push you gave this.
Director at Kitty Hamilton Associates Ltd.
1 个月Thank you for your bravery in admitting children under 11 should not have smartphones. However, claiming that 11 is an acceptable age is doing little more than endorsing the current status quo. All parents will hear is that it’s perfectly ok to give a smartphone in transition to year 7 and senior/secondary school. It is not. The current advice leaves the onus completely on parents to keep up with bewildering “parental controls” and “digital literacy” which are always (deliberately?) behind the curve of commercially driven tech innovation. With the “techbros” turning the “wild west” into the final frontier, today is the day things have to change. We need your help EE. Encourage parents to give children simple/brick/dumb/stepping stone phones until the end of key stage 3. From key stage 4 introduce a secure smartphone that can be upgraded on graduation. Use digital literacy at Key Stage 3 to prepare them for that supercomputer in their pocket. Think: teach children how to drive before you give them a Ferrari. Provide parents with what they want and children need and I for one will be switching to EE. I hope you’re listening Vodafone. EE help children be smartphone frEE to the end of key stage thrEE. Smartphone Free Childhood
Company Director at The Conversation Stamford
5 个月I've been really heartened by the stancee EE are taking on this - at 'The Conversation Stamford' encouraging young people to better manage their digital interaction is a key aim and this year we are running a cyberwise campaign principally fopcused on elimating smartphone use in the primary years... we are really excited to see industry getting on board - having also been part of HMD's better phone project - I hope the two can work well together...
Entrepreneur; Advisor; Blogger; Socio-Political Commentator (themes of tech addiction, polarisation & the decline of IRL community); ex. EHRC Commissioner
6 个月Delighted to see this, Mat - congratulations on your strong stance on this issue - so important now that the evidence of harms is increasingly clear.
Senior Growth Marketing Manager at Medtronic
6 个月Great to see Mat. Aligning with the great work that Smartphone Free Childhood (now a registered charity) have been doing.