Cell Phones
What kids can do with them:
(Cell phones may have some or all of these features; check your user's manual and service agreement to see which are available.)
-
make calls
-
text message
-
access internet to various degrees - some phones can access only certain websites, while others allow complete internet access
-
download songs/pictures
-
take pictures and/or videos
Possible dangers associated with them:
-
malware - viruses, spyware, adware
-
text messaging during school - many students try to cheat using text messages
-
inappropriate pictures/videos on phones, including pictures of themselves, friends, or classmates
-
phishing - requests for personal information from a cell phone owner through voicemail, text message, etc.
-
cyberbullying through cell phones - threatening text messages, having embarrassing photos sent to others, being tricked into sharing private information, etc.
What parents can do:
-
talk to your child about appropriate and responsible behavior
-
make sure your child only downloads files from trustworthy sites/people
-
monitor monthly phone bill for excessive text messages or when calls/text messages occur
-
use available parental controls on cell phones (contact your user's manual or the manufacturer's technical support for more information about parental controls you can use - most do not monitor content)
-
Buy phones that are created especially for kids, such as the Firefly, Migo (Verizon), TicTalk, Disney Mobile, and the PCS Vision Phone SCP-2400v (Sprint)- these have more parental control options
-
know who is in your child's contacts list on his/her phone
-
if the device is Bluetooth-enabled, make sure the Bluetooth connection is turned off when not in use