EE LAUNCHES FREE ONLINE SAFETY APPOINTMENTS FOR PARENTS AHEAD OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

EE is helping families reset their digital habits for the new school term by offering 36,000 hours of free online safety support in stores across the UK.

As millions of children head back to school this September, parents are being offered free one-to-one support to help manage screen time, social media and online safety.

EE has launched a nationwide programme of free in-store “Parents’ Evening” appointments, giving families the opportunity to speak with trained colleagues about parental controls, app settings and safer smartphone use.

The initiative comes as new research commissioned by EE suggests that parents, pupils and teachers are increasingly concerned about the impact of out-of-school screen time on the classroom.

EE Research Highlights Concerns Around Screen Time And Concentration

According to EE’s research, 87% of teachers say they have seen concentration spans shorten in recent years, while 85% say issues originating online — including group chat disagreements and late-night scrolling — can disrupt lessons and affect learning time.

The weeks immediately following the summer holidays can be particularly challenging, with 39% of teachers saying that re-establishing phone rules and expectations is harder during the first few weeks of term than at other points in the school year.

Meanwhile, smartphones and social media are also creating challenges at home. Nearly three-quarters of pupils surveyed said technology had led to arguments with their parents over the summer, while more than half of parents said the rapid pace of technological change can make it difficult to know whether they are setting the right rules.

Educating Yorkshire Star Matthew Burton Shares Advice For Parents

EE has partnered with Matthew Burton, headteacher of Thornhill Community Academy and one of the best-known faces from Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire, to encourage parents to establish healthier digital routines as children return to school.

Burton has also worked with teachers from across the country to create a free “homework sheet” designed to help parents start conversations about technology use and set up effective parental controls.

Speaking about the importance of resetting routines after the summer holidays, Burton said that children can return to school after weeks of increased freedom around technology and find it difficult to adjust back to classroom expectations.

The focus, however, is not on removing technology altogether.

Instead, Burton encourages families to create clear boundaries and conversations around responsible device use, recognising that smartphones and other connected devices can also be valuable tools when used safely.

Parents can download EE’s free online safety homework sheet.

What Happens During EE’s Free “Parents’ Evening” Appointments?

Throughout September, parents can book a free half-hour appointment at participating EE stores across the UK.

The sessions are designed to offer practical support, including help with:

• Setting up parental controls
• Reviewing privacy and app settings
• Understanding online safety tools
• Managing children’s smartphone use
• Starting conversations about social media and screen time

The appointments will also continue throughout the academic year, allowing families to revisit the support and book refresher sessions when needed.

Parents can find their nearest participating location through the EE store finder.

Why Online Safety Conversations Are Becoming Increasingly Important

The research also highlights growing concerns among parents about the content their children may encounter online.

Almost a third of parents surveyed said they were worried that their child could be exposed to harmful or negative content, while 52% said they would benefit from dedicated support around children’s online safety.

Rachel Huggins, CEO of Internet Matters, said that the beginning of a new school year can provide an opportunity for families to reset their digital expectations together.

She emphasised the importance of open and honest conversations, encouraging parents to take an interest in their children’s online lives and ensure young people feel comfortable asking for help if something goes wrong.

EE Also Offers Resources For Safer Smartphone Use

The new Parents’ Evening initiative forms part of EE’s wider focus on helping families navigate the digital world.

The network already offers tools and resources including Safer SIMs, content filters and parental controls, alongside guidance for families navigating smartphone ownership.

EE also provides its P.H.O.N.E. Contract, a free resource designed to help parents and children agree on the rules and expectations surrounding device use.

Families can find out more and download the resource via the EE P.H.O.N.E. Contract.

As smartphones, social media and online platforms continue to play a major role in young people’s lives, initiatives such as EE’s free appointments aim to give parents practical tools — and a little more confidence — when it comes to navigating technology at home.