Latest news with #JulietMoran
Western Telegraph
21-07-2025
- Western Telegraph
How to avoid roaming charges when abroad
Telecoms experts are urging travellers to check if their mobile plans include international roaming – otherwise they could face charges as high as £5 a day. For a two-week break that comes in at £70 per phone on top of regular mobile charges. For a family of four that's an additional £280 on their monthly mobile phone bill. Experts at are suggesting holidaymakers make use of eSims to bring costs down and make mobile usage overseas affordable. What is an eSim? An eSim is a digital version of a SIM card. It allows users to switch to a local provider without taking out your traditional SIM or changing your number. After landing, mobile users simply change their mobile packing to use the eSim rather than the UK SIM. Telecoms expert Juliet Moran, said: 'Holidaymakers need to be aware of roaming changes both in Europe and further afield and they need to look at ways to mitigate the extortionate cost passed on by phone providers. 'An eSim is the easiest way to do this. They're already built into your phone and allow you to activate an additional mobile data plan. 'In comparison to roaming charges the cost is minimal. To give you an example, on a recent trip to the USA, my provider was going to charge £5 a day. An eSim plan for a month cost just $12. 'The plans will cover all your data needs including maps, social media, emails, and video calls, with no roaming charges or surprise fees when you get back home.' Is an eSim a good idea? Firstly, it's important to check if your phone supports eSIMs. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up) support eSIM functionality. Check your phone settings or manufacturer website if you're unsure. issues eSIM advice for Brits Choose an eSIM provider Search within the country you are visiting for an eSIM holiday provider. It's quite a competitive market, so it won't take long to find a local supplier offering a good deal on an eSIM. UK Passport Renewal Guide Make sure it's contract free for short term use. Check the daily limits for data, even on an unlimited package. It's easier to find a cheaper provider once you are in the country, so use airport Wi-Fi to get yourself a good local deal. Install the eSIM during your trip This is a fairly straightforward task. You will need to: Download the provider's app or scan a QR code to install the eSIM. You may need another phone to take a photo of the QR code to install it on your own mobile if you don't have a computer or tablet to hand. Or use the manual eSIM installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate it. Set the eSIM as your primary data plan while abroad (you can still receive texts and calls to your UK number if needed). Recommended Reading: Use data wisely Keep an eye on your usage or buy a slightly larger plan to cover streaming and navigation comfortably, as going over those limits can lead to large bills. Switch back easily when you return Once home, just toggle your mobile data settings to return to your UK SIM. The eSIM can usually remain installed for future trips or you can just delete it.
Western Telegraph
21-07-2025
- Western Telegraph
Parents urged not to give their children smartphones
Telecoms expert Juliet Moran is warning parents that smartphones are wiring permanent addiction pathways in children's brains and can be just as harmful as giving them cigarettes or alcohol. Dumbphones, also known as 'feature phones', have no internet access, no social media apps, and no endless scrolling. They're seeing a comeback too, with the total global market projected to bring in £8.5 billion in revenue this year. Yet despite the risks, Ofcom figures show 97% of children own a smartphone by the age of 12, and nearly a quarter of children as young as five to seven already have one. Juliet, who is director of says: 'Smartphones are designed to be addictive and they give children access to the entire world. We don't let children smoke or drink for good reason, yet we give them smartphones which have severe consequences and can be just as addictive. 'There's no need for children so young to own a smartphone. Endless scrolling feeds content addiction by triggering dopamine hits and with children's brains still developing, excessive smartphone use can wire addictive behaviours into young minds permanently.' Juliet is also warning that parental controls may not be as reliable as many hope. With smartphone companies profiting from increased screen time , there's little incentive for them to make these controls as strict or effective as they truly need to be. 'Controls can help but they're not strict enough," she says. "These phone companies want us to be glued to our phones because it benefits them. The best thing you can do for your child is not give them a smartphone until they are at least 13. 'Children need to be outside and dumbphones give them the freedom to do this while allowing parents to stay in touch with them through calls and text messages. This keeps them away from harmful group chats and social media.' Juliet plans to get her own daughter a dumbphone for her next birthday so she can keep in touch when she's out with her friends, but stay free from the dangers of smartphones. 'I want her to be able to play outside and do physical activities rather than be stuck in her room scrolling through content all night,' she says. Recommended reading: Over 90% of schools in England have banned mobile phones, with academic research suggesting they not only affect pupils' educational attainment, but contribute to problems such as bullying. Dumbphones help tackle these issues by removing access to messaging apps and features like Emojis, which have been used for covert bullying - a problem highlighted in this year's Netflix show Adolescence. Campaign groups like Smartphone Free Childhood - now with over 150,000 members - also advise that a child's first phone should only allow calls and texts.
Rhyl Journal
18-07-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Parents urged not to give their children smartphones
Telecoms expert Juliet Moran is warning parents that smartphones are wiring permanent addiction pathways in children's brains and can be just as harmful as giving them cigarettes or alcohol. Dumbphones, also known as 'feature phones', have no internet access, no social media apps, and no endless scrolling. They're seeing a comeback too, with the total global market projected to bring in £8.5 billion in revenue this year. Yet despite the risks, Ofcom figures show 97% of children own a smartphone by the age of 12, and nearly a quarter of children as young as five to seven already have one. Juliet, who is director of says: 'Smartphones are designed to be addictive and they give children access to the entire world. We don't let children smoke or drink for good reason, yet we give them smartphones which have severe consequences and can be just as addictive. 'There's no need for children so young to own a smartphone. Endless scrolling feeds content addiction by triggering dopamine hits and with children's brains still developing, excessive smartphone use can wire addictive behaviours into young minds permanently.' Juliet is also warning that parental controls may not be as reliable as many hope. With smartphone companies profiting from increased screen time , there's little incentive for them to make these controls as strict or effective as they truly need to be. 'Controls can help but they're not strict enough," she says. "These phone companies want us to be glued to our phones because it benefits them. The best thing you can do for your child is not give them a smartphone until they are at least 13. 'Children need to be outside and dumbphones give them the freedom to do this while allowing parents to stay in touch with them through calls and text messages. This keeps them away from harmful group chats and social media.' Juliet plans to get her own daughter a dumbphone for her next birthday so she can keep in touch when she's out with her friends, but stay free from the dangers of smartphones. 'I want her to be able to play outside and do physical activities rather than be stuck in her room scrolling through content all night,' she says. Recommended reading: Over 90% of schools in England have banned mobile phones, with academic research suggesting they not only affect pupils' educational attainment, but contribute to problems such as bullying. Dumbphones help tackle these issues by removing access to messaging apps and features like Emojis, which have been used for covert bullying - a problem highlighted in this year's Netflix show Adolescence. Campaign groups like Smartphone Free Childhood - now with over 150,000 members - also advise that a child's first phone should only allow calls and texts.
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
How to avoid roaming charges when abroad
Telecoms experts are urging travellers to check if their mobile plans include international roaming – otherwise they could face charges as high as £5 a day. For a two-week break that comes in at £70 per phone on top of regular mobile charges. For a family of four that's an additional £280 on their monthly mobile phone bill. Experts at are suggesting holidaymakers make use of eSims to bring costs down and make mobile usage overseas affordable. What is an eSim? An eSim is a digital version of a SIM card. It allows users to switch to a local provider without taking out your traditional SIM or changing your number. After landing, mobile users simply change their mobile packing to use the eSim rather than the UK SIM. Telecoms expert Juliet Moran, said: 'Holidaymakers need to be aware of roaming changes both in Europe and further afield and they need to look at ways to mitigate the extortionate cost passed on by phone providers. 'An eSim is the easiest way to do this. They're already built into your phone and allow you to activate an additional mobile data plan. 'In comparison to roaming charges the cost is minimal. To give you an example, on a recent trip to the USA, my provider was going to charge £5 a day. An eSim plan for a month cost just $12. 'The plans will cover all your data needs including maps, social media, emails, and video calls, with no roaming charges or surprise fees when you get back home.' Is an eSim a good idea? Firstly, it's important to check if your phone supports eSIMs. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS or later, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and up) support eSIM functionality. Check your phone settings or manufacturer website if you're unsure. issues eSIM advice for Brits Choose an eSIM provider Search within the country you are visiting for an eSIM holiday provider. It's quite a competitive market, so it won't take long to find a local supplier offering a good deal on an eSIM. UK Passport Renewal Guide Make sure it's contract free for short term use. Check the daily limits for data, even on an unlimited package. It's easier to find a cheaper provider once you are in the country, so use airport Wi-Fi to get yourself a good local deal. Install the eSIM during your trip This is a fairly straightforward task. You will need to: Download the provider's app or scan a QR code to install the eSIM. You may need another phone to take a photo of the QR code to install it on your own mobile if you don't have a computer or tablet to hand. Or use the manual eSIM installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate it. Set the eSIM as your primary data plan while abroad (you can still receive texts and calls to your UK number if needed). Recommended Reading: Use data wisely Keep an eye on your usage or buy a slightly larger plan to cover streaming and navigation comfortably, as going over those limits can lead to large bills. Switch back easily when you return Once home, just toggle your mobile data settings to return to your UK SIM. The eSIM can usually remain installed for future trips or you can just delete it.
South Wales Argus
18-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
Parents urged not to give their children smartphones
Telecoms expert Juliet Moran is warning parents that smartphones are wiring permanent addiction pathways in children's brains and can be just as harmful as giving them cigarettes or alcohol. Dumbphones, also known as 'feature phones', have no internet access, no social media apps, and no endless scrolling. They're seeing a comeback too, with the total global market projected to bring in £8.5 billion in revenue this year. Yet despite the risks, Ofcom figures show 97% of children own a smartphone by the age of 12, and nearly a quarter of children as young as five to seven already have one. Juliet, who is director of says: 'Smartphones are designed to be addictive and they give children access to the entire world. We don't let children smoke or drink for good reason, yet we give them smartphones which have severe consequences and can be just as addictive. 'There's no need for children so young to own a smartphone. Endless scrolling feeds content addiction by triggering dopamine hits and with children's brains still developing, excessive smartphone use can wire addictive behaviours into young minds permanently.' Juliet is also warning that parental controls may not be as reliable as many hope. With smartphone companies profiting from increased screen time , there's little incentive for them to make these controls as strict or effective as they truly need to be. 'Controls can help but they're not strict enough," she says. "These phone companies want us to be glued to our phones because it benefits them. The best thing you can do for your child is not give them a smartphone until they are at least 13. 'Children need to be outside and dumbphones give them the freedom to do this while allowing parents to stay in touch with them through calls and text messages. This keeps them away from harmful group chats and social media.' Juliet plans to get her own daughter a dumbphone for her next birthday so she can keep in touch when she's out with her friends, but stay free from the dangers of smartphones. 'I want her to be able to play outside and do physical activities rather than be stuck in her room scrolling through content all night,' she says. Recommended reading: Over 90% of schools in England have banned mobile phones, with academic research suggesting they not only affect pupils' educational attainment, but contribute to problems such as bullying. Dumbphones help tackle these issues by removing access to messaging apps and features like Emojis, which have been used for covert bullying - a problem highlighted in this year's Netflix show Adolescence. Campaign groups like Smartphone Free Childhood - now with over 150,000 members - also advise that a child's first phone should only allow calls and texts.
