Digital Balance and young people
Vodafone is committed to ensuring our customers feel safe and empowered whenever they connect. We believe that being online is a powerful and enriching part of modern life, and everyone deserves to enjoy it in a healthy, balanced and inclusive way.
We have always taken our responsibility seriously, helping parents and children through every stage of their digital journeys.
We also believe that families are best placed to decide on the ‘right’ moment to introduce phones and smartphones for children. Our role is to provide a digital safety net, equipping parents with the tools to safely introduce their children to the online world.
By guiding younger users through the basics of the internet, we help shield them from potential harm while they gain confidence in navigating the digital landscape.
As these children grow into teenagers and young adults - expanding their social circles, starting college or entering the workforce - their use of mobile devices evolves. For younger generations, phones are an essential part of daily life, from studying and connecting with friends to entertainment and shopping.
However, we recognise the increasing challenges for families and young people living in a 24/7 connected world, including concerns around screen time, online safety, and the impact on physical or mental wellbeing.
Some schools have agreed with parents that children should not have access to phones or social media at school unless for educational purposes. We support those decisions.
But we also know some young people are experiencing isolation, mental health issues, or a lack of meaningful real-world connections. Our research also shows that young people from lower-income households are less likely to develop essential digital skills, leaving them at risk of falling behind.
Digital Balance and promoting positive digital habits
That’s why Vodafone is committed to creating solutions that address these challenges while promoting positive digital habits:
Parental control tools
Our Secure Net service gives parents an added layer of control over screen time and can help block age-inappropriate website and apps.
Reducing screen time for teens
Our new initiative is co-created by listening to teenagers and young people about ways we can help to offer them real-world activities and experiences.
Basic phones
Some parents and children wish to stay connected with one another without introducing full internet access on smartphones. That’s why we offer a range of ‘basic’ phones such as the Nokia 3310, with limited 2G functionality and are not compatible with social media or other apps.
Resources and guidance
From our Digital Parenting Guide to partnerships with organisations like the NSPCC, we provide tools and advice to help families navigate the digital world safely.
Building digital inclusion
Through Vodafone Foundation, we’ve invested over £20 million across nine European countries to equip young people with essential digital skills. Initiatives like the free Tozi app, which we developed with Dublin City University’s Anti-Bullying Centre and Childline by ISPCC to help children aged 11–14 navigate online challenges and build resilience.
Supporting educators
Vodafone’s training and tools for teachers are designed to boost digital skills across the education curriculum in areas like smart devices, AI, robotics, and augmented reality.
For over two decades, Vodafone has been a trusted partner in helping families and young people navigate their digital lives.
We believe that together, we can create a safer, more balanced, and inclusive digital future for all.
Digital Parenting resources
We want everyone to get the most out of tech and enjoy happy and safe digital lives. Here you'll find plenty of resources and support to help you make the right digital choices for your family.
Parenting in the digital world
Key points to consider while thinking about your child entering the digital world.
Digital Parenting Pro
Vodafone UK’s interactive Digital Parenting Pro guide provides information about parental controls and safety settings available to help children and young people enjoy using popular apps, games and devices.
Secure Net
Our Secure Net service empowers parents to customize content filters to ensure children access only age-appropriate websites, set bedtime restrictions and pause the internet on connected devices.
Country specific information
Vodafone Foundation
Digital skills in Europe
Vodafone Foundation is working to empower 16 million learners across Europe with digital skills.
Children and AI
‘Me, Myself & AI’ gives background information and practical tips that help young people navigate their relationship with AI.
Child rights and online safety
The advance of digital technology has had many positive impacts on children’s lives. It has enabled access to education and healthcare, enhanced the rights to information and freedom of expression and supported the development of relationships with family and friends.
We continue to drive programmes to capitalise on the positive impacts of the connectivity and digital services we provide for our customers and the communities where we operate.
We also recognise children are a particularly vulnerable group in today’s digital world. Unicef state that children “can be disproportionately, severely and permanently impacted by business activities, operations and relationships” and, as such, they merit special consideration and attention from businesses when they consider their human rights impacts.
Vodafone is committed to upholding child rights at all stages of our business operations. We seek to support children and their parents to become responsible digital citizens. This includes up to date guidance and conversations about safe and responsible conduct in cyberspace.
Our Child Protection Policy (now integrated in our Human Rights Policy) sets out how we seek to support our customers in navigating the evolving digital landscape through tools and education. Our commitments to broader child rights are also embedded in group policies and processes.
Who children meet online
Messaging apps and social media are a great way for young people to connect with family and friends. But would your child know what to do if they were bullied or contacted by a stranger?
How children behave online
Self-expression, creativity, collaboration — technology has lots of benefits. But with some kids and teens pushing boundaries and behaving differently online, it’s crucial you talk to your child about how they conduct themselves in the digital world.
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