Now that it's back-to-school time, many parents have made the decision to arm their kids with cell phones. Parents generally say they get their kids a phone for safety reasons. And, as adults swap out their old devices for newer smart phones, it is easy to pass down a used phone. While passing down an old phone, is a a lot cheaper than buying a brand new one, it is not always the safest thing to do for your kids.
Here are some great tips from SafetyWeb.com that will keep your kids safe while using a cell phone:
- Select Appropriate Phone Features. If your child is under 10, they probably don't need a phone with unlimited social networking or email capabilities. Likewise, the actual phone itself doesn’t need built-in features like a web browser or video messaging. For a young child, look for basic phones. Review all pre-programmed apps and phone capabilities beforehand.
- Limit Usage. Designate time slots for talking — perhaps after homework and chores are completed, or before dinner. Don't let constant calls interrupt family time. It's easy for a chatty teen to cuddle up to a phone at bedtime, so check periodically.
- Wait - Before Answering. Instruct your child not to answer calls or text messages from numbers they don't recognize. If it is important, the caller will leave a message and then he can decide how to respond. Explain how to block calls from unwanted numbers.
- Pre-program numbers. To help keep your kids safe, make sure their cell phones have all important phone numbers pre-programmed into it so they can always get a hold of someone if they’re in trouble. Be sure to include local emergency and non-emergency police/fire numbers.
SafetyWeb provides free online parenting resources on a variety of social networking topics related to keeping kids safer online, including Cyberbullying, Sexting 101, Teens and Mobile Phones, Teens and Depression, avoiding Cyberstalking and much more.
