Expectations and levels of understanding when using mobile phones among 9–11-year olds in Wales, UK

Abstract

There is growing interest in examining the use of mobile technology among children. The present study extended this literature among a sample of 9-11-year olds in Wales, UK in three ways. First, to examine the level of mobile phone ownership; second, to consider how mobile phones are used, investigate timescales and expectations when communicating via a mobile phone; and third to explore the emotional impact of not having a text or phone call responded to. A sample of 57 children completed a self-report questionnaire focusing on the expectations and levels of understanding when making and receiving mobile phone calls and text messages. Results suggest that ownership and usage of a mobile phone is high amongst young children; however a lack of developmental and emotional maturity, highlighted by the expectation of immediate responses and the egocentric reasons given, may cause unnecessary distress among a proportion of children. Directions for future work are proposed.