25% of 10-year-olds own mobile phone

The number of seven to 10-year-olds with a mobile phone has almost doubled in the past three years, according to a survey published today.

In 2001, 13 per cent of primary school children owned a phone yet by the start of this year the number had increased to 25 per cent.

The findings come from a survey of 2,000 children by Mintel. Jenny Catlin, consumer analyst at Mintel, said: "Many parents find it reassuring to be able to get in touch with their children at any time and some consider

mobile phones important for their children's safety.

"Children in one-parent households are more likely to have their own phone. This may be because these children have more complex lifestyles."

The poll, conducted at the start of the year, revealed life can be stressful, even for young children. More than a third said they were "very worried" about school work and 48 per cent concerned about bullying.