New research from Vodafone reveals that the majority of UK parents, 67%, would rather have their child's first device be a basic feature phone without apps. The study, which surveyed 2,000 parents with children aged 8-14, also found that eight in ten parents believe it's important for their child to have a phone so they can stay in touch. Furthermore, an overwhelming 94% of parents expressed the desire for school lessons to focus on promoting healthy digital habits.
According to a recent study by Vodafone, 83% of parents desire their children to have a phone for communication purposes, yet 67% of UK parents would rather their kids have a basic feature phone without app access instead of a smartphone. The research involved 2,000 parents and caregivers of children aged 8-14.
The humble feature phone is capable of handling calls and texts, and some even come equipped with a basic camera, MP3 player, radio, and torch. While a few offer limited web access, they lack the ability to freely browse the internet or download apps, including social media platforms, unlike their smartphone counterparts.
Surprisingly, a significant portion of parents (35%) were oblivious to the existence of basic feature phones, which can be purchased for as little as £8 from Vodafone, as revealed by a study conducted by the company.
In light of these findings, it's noteworthy that over 81% of parents believe that schools should prohibit the use of smartphones during school hours. This sentiment has gained traction, particularly following the recent decision by the Scottish Government to empower teachers to enforce phone bans in schools.
Furthermore, an overwhelming 94% of parents are of the opinion that all schools should incorporate lessons on fostering healthy digital habits. The majority (59%) emphasized the importance of this due to the increasingly integral role of the online world in the lives of today's children.
Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Vodafone UK, said: “The new academic year is approaching, and we know this is often a time when parents are considering purchasing their child’s first device.
“At Vodafone, we believe families should choose the device that is right for them, as every family is different. This is why we offer a huge range of choice across both ‘smart’ and feature (non-smart) phones.
“As we can see from this research, many parents want their children to have a basic phone before they get a smartphone. To help meet this need, Vodafone currently has the largest range on the market. We are also very proud to continue building our Digital Parenting tools and resources, together with the NSPCC, to help families navigate the online world safely and build healthy digital habits.”
Kate Edwards, Associate Head of Child Safety Online, NSPCC, said: “At the NSPCC, we know that many parents will have mixed feelings and worries about getting their child their first phone, and some may feel overwhelmed about how to approach this.
“Not only is it important that parents know the different types of phones that are available, but it’s also essential that parents are equipped with tips, tools and conversations they can have to prioritise their child’s safety.
“That is why is why our partnership with Vodafone is so important as, together, we can help more families feel confident when starting this journey.”
Methodology:
Survey of 2,300 UK parents carried out by independent market research company WALR in August 2024. WALR is a member, and abides by best practices, of the Market Research Society.
Source: Vodafone