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Mobile Phone Safety for Kids

by Jessica Anne Elizabeth

Overview

You have decided that your kids need a cell phone, sometimes called a mobile phone. It's a good thing to have, as it keeps you in constant touch with them, especially when they are with someone other than you or another family member. However, your kids will need to have guidelines for their safety, security and privacy protection; not only theirs, but yours, the family's and others as well.
Guard the Phone

Tell your kids to make sure they know where their phone is at all times. It should be kept in a secure location such as an inside jacket pocket or a separate, zipped compartment in a purse or backpack. Also, tell them that if they notice their phone is missing to immediately notify you first and then tell whoever is in charge at their current location. As soon as you are notified call the service provider and ask them to either flag the phone as missing or cut the service altogether. In this way there will be less chance that the service can be abused if the phone is found by someone other than your child. If they flag the phone your child can still use it if it is found, but you will need to tell him that the service provider is monitoring it. If the phone has been cut off you will need to contact whoever is responsible for your child at the present time and let them know that the phone is inoperable.

Obey School Policies

Make sure you and your child know the school policies for having and using cell phones during school hours. Obtain the school's policy and then sit down with your child and go over it together. In this way there will be no misunderstanding on anyone's part. Clearly explain any consequences that will happen if your child is caught breaking school policy. These can include making the child pay the retrieval fee, if one is charged, or restricting use of the phone for a period of time.
Only People You Know and Can Trust Should Have the Number

Set limits on how many of your kid's friends can have his number and keep track of who has it. Tell him that you must give permission before he can give the number to anyone who has not had it previously. Check the phone periodically against your list for any additions or deletions. Tell your child to tell you immediately if he finds out that someone has given out his number without permission. Tell him that this is not tattling; rather, it is to protect him and the family.
Never Reply to Text Messages from Unknown Parties

Tell your kid to never reply to a text message from someone he does not know. Instead, impress upon him the importance of retaining the message so that you can see the contents and the sender information. Also, inform him to immediately let you know if he receives a text message from a stranger, especially if it is sexual in nature. Again remind him not to delete the message but save it until you can see it. Make sure you know how to use the blocking feature on the phone. If you feel it is necessary go ahead and block the text feature and only allow your child to use it when he is with you, and you can supervise the use.
Check the Phone History Frequently

Read the user manual, or have a customer service representative show you how to access and read the call and text tracking information on the phone. Once you have learned how to do this check the phone history frequently and discuss any entries that you might deem questionable.