Most children now own a mobile phone. You can see very young kids having mobile phones, calling, texting, that sometimes you worry. Aren't they too young to own a phone? But giving them a phone can also have good points, you can reach them anytime, anywhere. So as a parent, you would always seem to be concerned about your child's safety. So here are some safety tips for parents to implement on their children when it comes to mobile phones.
That's the point of view of the adults, how about the children. Having their own phones means they can socialise more and be in; and won't get left behind. In a recent study conducted with 12-17 year olds with mobiles; they send at least 50 texts a day. Most of these kids would rather text with their friends, talk over the phone rather than saying something face to face.
Other than that, mobile phones can also carry threats. So here are the 10 mobile phone tips that you should teach your child:
1. Be prepared and educated. You must talk to your children about being responsible owners, this may serve as a reminder for you as well. Tell them about the dangers and consequences, let them participate on it. Discuss topics such as sexting, texting while driving, sending inappropriate photos or videos, using offensive language and such. Tell them that if they get to receive any inappropriate messages, threats or harassment to show them to you or a responsible adult.
2. Choose an appropriate phone. If your child is younger than 10, then they don't need a phone with too much fancy features; or unlimited social networking access or emails. Simpler phones will do for younger kids. For the older kids, you both can agree on a specific phone model, you must review the features, security and programs installed.
3. Limit phone usage. This is good so that your child won't get too distracted with their phones that they forget more important things- like studying and homework. Make sure that your child agrees to the time limit; and that would include chatting, calling, texting, and such. Make sure that your child keeps the phone or turns it off during dinner time, family time, making homework, etc.
4. Instruct your child not to publicise his/her number. Tell them not to give just anyone their numbers or post them on social networking sites. They could fall prey to those predators, be harassed or bullied, so tell them to keep their number private. It's okay to give their number to their group of friends, make sure that you can also have these friend's numbers, or their parents. This is for instances that you want to check out if indeed they are telling the truth.
5. Tell your kids not to answer unkown calls. If someone calls them, then tell them to wait. If that person is serious in contacting them then they will follow-up with a message. If not and they keep calling, then tell your child to call you at once so you can deal with it. Check also if there is call blocking feature on your child's phone to block out those unnecessary phone calls and messages.
Those are the 5 basic tips that you should teach your child, if ever you want to give them a phone; or still thinking about it. You child's safety should always go first.
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