UK: One in eight UK children have their own mobile phone by the age of eight

One out of eight children have their own mobile phone by the age of eight, a study by insurance provider Aviva reveals today. The survey of more than a 1,000 parents with children aged 10-15 was carried out as part of the insurer’s latest ‘Home’ report which looks at the impact of technology on family lives. It found that 11 years is the most common age at which children are given a phone and nine out of 10 youngsters (88%) have their own phone by the age of 15.

This is a stark contrast to their parents’ generation who had to wait a little longer for their first phones (presumably because they weren’t widely available or affordable when they were children).Those aged 35-44 got their first phone at age 20 on average, while those aged 45-54 were typically 29 years old.

Safety is the main reason parents give their children their first phone (so they are contactable when away from home, for example) with 56% citing this, but it is by no means the only motive for mobiles.

Nearly a quarter of parents (23%) said they gave their child a phone because all of their friends were getting them, and nearly one in five (19%) bought the device ‘to keep them entertained’. Seven per cent of parents admitted they gave their children phones so they could play games.

And when it comes to tablets, children are getting to grips with technology even earlier with one in eight (13%) having their own device by the age of seven, and nine years being the most common age to receive their first tablet.

Lindsey Rix, MD, Personal Lines Aviva UK General Insurance says: “It’s clear to see just how device-savvy children are these days. In fact one in eight parents surveyed said they rely on their children to help them with technology!

“As the number of gadgets and devices increases in UK households, it’s crucial that people consider whether they have adequate home contents cover in place in case of the unexpected. Youngsters aren’t always known for being the most careful, so parents may want to look at taking out accidental damage cover to protect devices in case of those awkward moments. And personal belongings cover may also be a good addition to cover items away from the home, such as mobile phones.

“Aviva can replace mobile phone with customers the next day in the event of a claim. So for peace of mind, it may be worth parents checking whether they have the right cover in place, so their loved ones remain constantly contactable.”

Ends

If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact: Sarah Poulter: Aviva Press Office: 01904 452828 / 07800 691569 / sarah.poulter@aviva.com

Figures are taken from a poll carried out by Censuswide Research on behalf of Aviva in December 2016. All respondents were randomly selected from across the UK. 1,780 adult general consumers, 1,010 parents of children aged 10-15, and 931 children aged 10-15 were surveyed.

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