More than nine out of 10 12-year-olds in the UK now have a mobile phone, a survey has suggested.
More than nine out of 10 12-year-olds in the UK now have a mobile phone, a survey has suggested.
Almost 80% of the young people who took part in the research said they felt safer having a mobile and that they had a better social life as a result.
Almost 80% of the young people who took part in the research said they felt safer having a mobile and that they had a better social life as a result.
On average, they send or receive up to 10 text messages a day - three times more than their parents.
On average, they send or receive up to 10 text messages a day - three times more than their parents.
The Mobile Life Survey, commissioned by Carphone Warehouse, quizzed 1,250 people aged 11 to 17.
The Mobile Life Survey, commissioned by Carphone Warehouse, quizzed 1,250 people aged 11 to 17.
Three-quarters of youngsters have had their phone bought for them by their parents, while half have their calls paid for by their parents.
Three-quarters of youngsters have had their phone bought for them by their parents, while half have their calls paid for by their parents.
The survey found that most parents (71%) believed mobiles were a useful way to keep track of their offspring.
The survey found that most parents (71%) believed mobiles were a useful way to keep track of their offspring.
However, only a third of 13 to 16-year-olds thought it was reasonable for parents to use mobiles for this reason.
However, only a third of 13 to 16-year-olds thought it was reasonable for parents to use mobiles for this reason.
Have you bought your child a mobile phone? What are the benefits or setbacks of young children owning a mobile phone? Are children becoming too reliant on their mobile phones? Is peer pressure a factor?
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