EE launches free ‘Parents’ Evenings’ to help manage children’s smartphone use

EE has launched free one-to-one “Parents’ Evenings” in stores across the UK to help families manage children’s smartphone use and online safety.

The telecoms provider said it will offer free half-hour appointments throughout September in hundreds of its stores, giving parents practical advice on parental controls, app settings, and online safety ahead of the new school year. The initiative builds on EE’s existing family-focused services, including Safer SIMs and smartphone guidance.

The announcement follows research commissioned by EE which found that 87 per cent of secondary school teachers have seen pupils’ concentration spans shorten in recent years, while 85 per cent said issues originating online, including group chat disputes and late-night social media use, regularly disrupt lessons.

The study also found that 39 per cent of teachers believe re-establishing smartphone rules in the first few weeks after the summer holidays proves more difficult than at any other point in the school year.

EE’s research also highlighted concerns among parents. Around 72 per cent of pupils said smartphones and social media had caused arguments with their parents over the summer, while 34 per cent of parents said the return to school created additional pressure as children adjusted after increased screen use.

More than half of parents said they found the pace of technological change overwhelming, while 52 per cent said dedicated online safety sessions would help them support their children.

The research also explored attitudes towards the government’s planned social media ban, which is due to come into force in spring 2027. While 70 per cent of parents welcomed the move, 60 per cent questioned how effectively it could be enforced.

Among children aged 11 to 15 who will fall under the restrictions, 44 per cent said they had already discussed with friends how they might bypass the ban, while 56 per cent of 11 to 17-year-olds expected to switch to alternative apps once the rules take effect.

Claire Gillies, chief executive of consumer at BT’s Consumer Division, said: “The digital world brings huge opportunities for young people, but it can also be a source of anxiety for parents. As a parent of a teenager myself, I understand those challenges firsthand.

“As the UK’s best network for families, we are committed to helping people stay connected with confidence. From our ‘Parents’ Evening’ sessions to Safer SIMs and smartphone guidance, EE is helping families make informed decisions as children head back to school.”