One in four parents regularly share data with their children as a reward instead of giving pocket money amid the cost of living crisis, syncing plans so they can get the most value for money while keeping the family connected. EE says that swapping cash rewards for data is becoming a popular way to reward children, according to a new survey.
The research of 2,000 UK adults shows that a quarter of parents say they are keen to try using data as an incentive for chores or good behaviour. Parents agree that the most valuable chore-for-data should be washing the car, which is worth 173 megabytes of data, enough for 10 minutes of TikTok videos.
This is followed by sweeping leaves (158MB) which would allow two hours of music streams, hanging out laundry (150MB), walking the dog (149MB) and tidying their bedroom (147MB) which would each cover streaming music on Spotify for around 1 hour.
While families are looking at ways to get better value for money during the financial crisis, kids can expect 148MBfor washing up instead of using the dishwasher, 136MB to make sure lights are regularly turned off when they leave the room, keep doors closed to minimise drafts (124MB), and taking shorter length showers (136MB).
In response, EE today reveals the first ever data rate card for chores, so parents across the nation can be consistent.
Sharon Meadows, Director of Broadband and Mobile at EE, said: “Parents know how much children love their data - and how they hate to run out. Our research confirms that pocket money is no longer king, with more than a quarter of parents already sharing data as a reward for chores.
“Data Gifting, where families are able to spread data around for free, is just one of the ways EE is supporting savvy parents and helping families stay connected for longer. EE’s family SIM discount, Stay Connected and free smartphone MoTs also help make customers’ money go further.
“We are proud to be able to offer innovative technology with access to the UK’s best network so people have peace of mind that the service they pay for is worth every penny and more.”
Chore |
Data reward parents are willing to give, according to EE research (MB) |
Washing the car |
173 |
Sweeping leaves |
158 |
Hanging the laundry out to dry |
150 |
Walking the dog |
149 |
Washing the dishes by hand |
148 |
Tidying your bedroom |
147 |
Doing homework |
141 |
Loading the dishwasher |
140 |
Tidying the food cupboard |
138 |
Laying the table |
136 |
Turning all lights off when leaving a room |
136 |
Shorter length showers |
136 |
Laying the table |
136 |
Closing doors to prevent draft |
124 |
