But the issue divides public opinion; just a third of adults feel children should have a mobile phone by 11 years of age, but more than half (54%) of parents think it is ok for an 11 year old to have a mobile phone.

By a large margin, young people would rather text than talk, with 11 to 17 year olds sending or receiving an average of 9.6 texts a day – three times more than adults.

The need to belong is emerging as the most powerful need of all – 42% of 15 to 17-year-old girls would “feel unwanted if a whole day went by when my mobile phone did not ring”

Communication is now instant and continuous and young people are constantly in touch with their friends. 78% of 11 to 17 year olds say that having a mobile phone gives them a better social life, because they can more easily maintain contact with their friends. One in three young people talk regularly and/or texts with people they do not want their parents to know about. Two thirds of 15 to 17 year olds would not let their parents look through their text messages whilst a quarter of 11 to 17 year olds have received a text inviting them on a date.

“The mobile phone has become the most important electronic device for young people in the UK today with 91% of children having a mobile phone by the time they go to secondary school at 12 years old,” said Charles Dunstone, chief executive officer, The Carphone Warehouse

“It provides them with a social network, a sense of security and access to entertainment. But most importantly it provides them with a sense of belonging to their peer group.”

Source- http://www.theretailbulletin.com