The problem of teenagers having insufficient data on their mobile phones has emerged as a major threat to ‘family harmony’ in the UK, a survey has found.
The study found that nearly three quarters of parents admit that having their teenagers run out of data for mobile internet access is ‘a cause for concern when they’re out and about’.
But the issue is only one of a variety of so-called ‘data-dilemmas’ which pose a risk to relations between parents and their children.
Mobile network EE which commissioned the study of 2,000 people described the issue as ‘one of the top ten causes of disruption to family life’.
The survey found that 43% of Brit families agreed that ‘having sufficient mobile data helps to avoid data disputes’.
It also disclosed that 67% of parents state that ‘their teens are in grumpier moods once their data runs dry’.
The survey of 2,000 people commissioned by EE found that 43% of British families agreed that ‘having sufficient mobile data helps to avoid data-disputes’
But even more parents – a total of 74% – felt unable to stay in contact with their children when they ran out of data which EE described as a ‘real cause for concern’.
The issue, ranked nearly as high as the traditional moan about teenagers failing to do chores which was cited as a problem by 82% of parents.
In contrast, the issue of poor WiFi connectivity at home was raised by 29% of those questioned while another 18% highlighted ‘poor personal hygiene’.
EE revealed the survey results this week as it launched new mobile plans for families, giving discounts and access to ‘great family services’ and controls, helping households to stay connected.
The plans allow family members to share data allowances, as well as taking advantage of EE’s ‘Multi-Line discount’ by running a number of devices on the same account.
The sharing of data lowers the risk of data-hungry teenagers not being able to access their favorite apps and websites while out and about.
EE said its survey showed that ‘sharing mobile allowances with loved ones can play a crucial role in maintaining a happy home’.
It claimed that its new mobile services meant UK families could ‘live more amicably’ by helping them to ‘stay connected’.
People surveyed described the issue of their teenage children running out of data as ‘one of the top ten causes of disruption to family life’
The firm said the new range of plans and discounts had ‘market-leading family benefits, designed to help them get the most from their smartphones’ with ‘a suite of tools to work around family angst and improve household ambiance’.
EE’s exclusive Data Gifting feature, available with the new mobile plans, enables families to share any unused data.
The network says it means ‘everyone can keep online whether they’re gaming, streaming music, on social media or downloading the latest Netflix show’.
EE’s unique Stay Connected Data service also gives parents ‘peace of mind’, knowing that their children can send and receive data messages even when their data has run out.
Families on EE can now enjoy the network’s lowest prices on additional lines with a new 20% discount on additional SIMs.
The free ‘My EE’ app also allows customers to control how their children use their phones, giving them ‘total peace of mind – with the ability to apply caps and controls so there’s no unexpected bills’.
Parents can also restrict usage abroad or block premium rate calls/texts as well as preventing in-app purchases.
Sharon Meadows, EE’s Director of Propositions, said: ‘It’s clear that keeping families connected is key to household harmony and we’re proud to offer our customers industry-leading tools and features as part of our mobile plans to help.
With upgraded benefits including a new multi-sim discount, combined with family-first features, including Stay Connected and Data Gifting, exclusive to EE customers, we’re continuing to prove why we’re the number one network for families, helping them stay connected, for less.’
The new plans are available for new and existing customers. Head to ee.co.uk/paymonthly to find out more.
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