Mobile telephone ownership and usage among 10- and 11-year-olds

Abstract

This study investigated cellular mobile phone ownership among a sample of primary school pupils (N = 351). Results showed nearly half of both girls and boys owned mobiles. While only 19% had self-funded the mobile purchase, almost 50% had paid for their own top-up cards. 45% spent between £5 and £10 monthly on call charges. The favourite call destinations were parents. 38% reported they had used their mobile when confronted by a crisis.The large majority both sent and received text messages, and about 1 in 5 were able to send texts via the Internet and/or search the net. 11% admitted to receiving either a rude message (4%) or a threat (7%). Furthermore, 17% had been sent a frightening message, and 14% admitted to sending one. To conclude, concerns are raised that non-ownership of mobile phones may lead to social exclusion as well as limit pupils’ involvement with and proficiency in using other communication technologies.