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digital footprints
Christmas National News

Digital footprints: Parents in the dark

By December 6, 2024 Article
New research by EE reveals many parents worry about their teens’ smartphone use but lack awareness of key digital footprints and the risk. The findings show 79% of parents feel concerned, while 62% do not fully understand the dangers of a growing digital footprint.

Understanding digital footprints

Gigital footprints make the trail of content users leave online. This includes photos, videos, and posts. For teenagers, these footprints can unintentionally reveal personal details such as their location or daily routines.

With 32% of teens uploading their own content, the risks range from identity theft and deepfakes to exposure to online predators. However, only 8% of parents consider this a top concern, ranking it below fears of inappropriate content (40%) and excessive screen time (38%).

Balancing connection and caution

While smartphones help teens stay connected with friends (59%) and develop digital skills (31%), they also expose them to risks. EE’s research shows parents feel conflicted, as 71% fear their child would feel excluded without a phone.

This balance becomes even trickier as the festive season approaches, with many families planning to gift connected devices. Searches for online safety information peak in January and February, highlighting a growing need for guidance over digital footprints.

EE supports parents with online safety and digital footprints concern

In response to these findings, EE has launched a comprehensive Online Safety Hub featuring tips and resources for parents.

Hannah Nascimento Garcia, EE’s Responsible Business Director, explains: “Parents face a tough challenge navigating the digital world. Our resources provide clear, expert advice to help families promote safer and more responsible smartphone use.”

EE also offers tools like the PhoneSmart Licence, an interactive course teaching kids how to stay safe and kind online. The platform includes engaging activities to help children understand online risks and make better digital choices.

To make this information accessible, EE is partnering with influencers to create relatable content with practical tips for parents.

Helping parents make informed decisions

For families preparing to introduce technology this Christmas, EE provides guidance on choosing the right phone and securing devices. Access expert advice on the First Phone Guide.

Visit the EE Online Safety Hub to explore tools and resources for safer smartphone usage.

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Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.