EE launches free in-store online safety sessions for parents

Mobile network EE is launching free, half-hour in-store ‘Parents’ Evening’ sessions throughout September to assist families with online safety and device management. These one-to-one appointments allow parents to work with trained staff to set up parental controls, review app settings, and address digital safety concerns as the new school year begins.

The initiative follows research indicating that heavy summer screen time is impacting the return to education. EE reports that 87% of secondary school teachers have observed shortening concentration spans in pupils, while 85% state that online issues, such as late-night scrolling and group chat conflicts, frequently disrupt classroom learning.

Additionally, 72% of students reported that social media and smartphones led to arguments with parents over the summer. To support educators and families, EE has collaborated with Matthew Burton, headteacher of Thornhill Community Academy, to develop a ten-minute homework exercise designed to facilitate conversations between parents and children regarding device usage and digital routines.