URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE COUNSELORS: Mobile phone safety for kids
Mobile phones range from the most basic, like those for younger children that can place
calls only to restricted numbers, to smartphones that are essentially tiny computers which offer:
Internet access to social networks such as Facebook, as well as to games, videos and
video chat sites, TV shows, music, and applications (apps).
Use of camera and video that are fun, but also provide opportunity for bullies and
others, and enable taking and sharing suggestive photos or videos (known as sexting).
GPS tracking that makes it possible to pinpoint the location of the phone—and the
child. You can use this to monitor where your kids are, but if it is not used
carefully, so can others. Furthermore, smartphones may tag a photo (geotagging),
revealing precisely where and when it was taken.
Pick a service plan with the functionality and mobile phone safety features that are
right for each child. Add features such as text messaging, photo-sharing, or
Internet access only when you feel your child is ready to take on each new
responsibility. Also, note that if you choose a billed plan, versus a prepaid
plan, you can better monitor monthly charges, such as "free" offers with hidden
monthly charges.
Based on the age and maturity of each child, agree on phone features. Define clear
rules for sensible use and the consequences for breaking them. Talk about usage:
who they can talk to or text and when, the websites they can visit, and so on.
With older kids, discuss cyberbullying and sexting.
From time to time, ask your kids to show you what is on their phones. Periodically
re-examine rules as children mature and mobile technologies evolve.
Teach kids safe and responsible phone use
Help kids understand the following:
Share their phone number only with family and
close friends.
Do not put it on social network pages, use it to enter contests,
or give it to just anyone who asks for it. Lock the phone with a PIN that your
child keeps secret (even from best friends) to prevent others from snooping or
misusing it.
Don't say, text, or post anything that would hurt or embarrass someone.
Don't make, send, or accept provocative texts, photos, or
videos.
Avoid clicking links in ads, contests, text messages (even from friends) offering free
prizes and the like.
Get help from technology
Clearly explain why you are using safety tools and what they will do for your children's
information security. Consider setting them up together.
Some protections are provided through the carrier's service; others can be set on the
mobile phone. The most reliable are those on the phone, because when a phone
uses a wireless network, it bypasses the carrier and its tools.
Filter or block websites and content as appropriate for your child's age and
maturity:
Consider blocking Internet access for the youngest; for teens, think about restricting
access to gambling, adult, and other inappropriate
sites.
Filter lyrics, video, and other content that is violent or
explicit.
Restrict
access to forums (including in games) unless they are moderated by humans.
Use GPS cautiously. If you use a family location service to monitor your kids'
whereabouts, make sure others cannot locate them. Otherwise, consider disabling
the location feature on your child's phone; at the very least, turn it off in
he phone's camera. Manage contacts, which can include blocking callers and
restricting contact to approved numbers only.
What to do if there are problems Immediately report: Physical threats, persistent
cyberbullying, or any form of exploitation to the police and the carrier.
Inappropriate content or behavior to the carrier or app.
Mobile phones range from the most basic, like those for younger children that can place
calls only to restricted numbers, to smartphones that are essentially tiny computers which offer:
Internet access to social networks such as Facebook, as well as to games, videos and
video chat sites, TV shows, music, and applications (apps).
Use of camera and video that are fun, but also provide opportunity for bullies and
others, and enable taking and sharing suggestive photos or videos (known as sexting).
GPS tracking that makes it possible to pinpoint the location of the phone—and the
child. You can use this to monitor where your kids are, but if it is not used
carefully, so can others. Furthermore, smartphones may tag a photo (geotagging),
revealing precisely where and when it was taken.
Pick a service plan with the functionality and mobile phone safety features that are
right for each child. Add features such as text messaging, photo-sharing, or
Internet access only when you feel your child is ready to take on each new
responsibility. Also, note that if you choose a billed plan, versus a prepaid
plan, you can better monitor monthly charges, such as "free" offers with hidden
monthly charges.
Based on the age and maturity of each child, agree on phone features. Define clear
rules for sensible use and the consequences for breaking them. Talk about usage:
who they can talk to or text and when, the websites they can visit, and so on.
With older kids, discuss cyberbullying and sexting.
From time to time, ask your kids to show you what is on their phones. Periodically
re-examine rules as children mature and mobile technologies evolve.
Teach kids safe and responsible phone use
Help kids understand the following:
Share their phone number only with family and
close friends.
Do not put it on social network pages, use it to enter contests,
or give it to just anyone who asks for it. Lock the phone with a PIN that your
child keeps secret (even from best friends) to prevent others from snooping or
misusing it.
Don't say, text, or post anything that would hurt or embarrass someone.
Don't make, send, or accept provocative texts, photos, or
videos.
Avoid clicking links in ads, contests, text messages (even from friends) offering free
prizes and the like.
Get help from technology
Clearly explain why you are using safety tools and what they will do for your children's
information security. Consider setting them up together.
Some protections are provided through the carrier's service; others can be set on the
mobile phone. The most reliable are those on the phone, because when a phone
uses a wireless network, it bypasses the carrier and its tools.
Filter or block websites and content as appropriate for your child's age and
maturity:
Consider blocking Internet access for the youngest; for teens, think about restricting
access to gambling, adult, and other inappropriate
sites.
Filter lyrics, video, and other content that is violent or
explicit.
Restrict
access to forums (including in games) unless they are moderated by humans.
Use GPS cautiously. If you use a family location service to monitor your kids'
whereabouts, make sure others cannot locate them. Otherwise, consider disabling
the location feature on your child's phone; at the very least, turn it off in
he phone's camera. Manage contacts, which can include blocking callers and
restricting contact to approved numbers only.
What to do if there are problems Immediately report: Physical threats, persistent
cyberbullying, or any form of exploitation to the police and the carrier.
Inappropriate content or behavior to the carrier or app.