Teenagers have developed sophisticated saving habits enabling them to get much better deals than their parents on mobile phone call costs, according to recent research undertaken by Tesco.

The figures reveal that teenagers are twice as likely as adults to negotiate their way around complex tariffs and charging structures and by taking advantage of flat rate tariffs.

Teenagers also switch networks more often to take advantage of money-saving deals and are better educated about the mobile market in general.

Andy Dewhurst, chief executive of Tesco Telecoms, said: “The findings show that the stereotype of teenagers talking for hours on the phone need no longer cost a fortune.

“Parents can learn a lot from the younger generation and look out for flat rate tariffs where they don’t get stung paying more at certain times of the day or to other networks.”