More than nine out of 10 12–year–olds in the UK now have a mobile phone, a survey has suggested, according to www.bbc.co.uk
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.
The Mobile Life Survey, commissioned by Carphone Warehouse, quizzed 1,250 people aged 11 to 17.
And while many schools have banned mobile phones, 50% of those questioned admitted to sending or receiving a text during lessons.
Furthermore, 78% of 11 to 17–year–olds believe having a mobile has given them a better social life as it meant it was easier to keep in touch with their friends.
One in three youngsters added that they use phones to keep in touch with people their parents did not want them to contact.
As far as paying the bills go, parents shoulder most of the burden.
According to a wider survey of 16,500 people, Carphone Warehouse found 45% of parents paid mobile bills for their child, 28% said their child paid the bill while 22% said they shared the cost with their child. A futher 5% said someone else paid the bill.
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