August 15, 2024
As parents, you want to keep your children safe, whether online or off, especially when they get their first mobile phone. A smartphone can be a valuable tool for children but parents may wish to set certain guard rails for using it.
Review these tips to help keep your kids safe and secure with their first mobile phones as they head back to school.
Set Up With Security in Mind
Here are some safety-first steps to set up the phone, including:
- Program important contacts and emergency numbers for your child.
- Switch off location services in apps.
- Set social media profiles to private.
- Turn off in-app purchases in iTunes on Apple devices or in the Google Play store on Android
- Set incoming/outgoing calls to "contacts only" to minimize the risks of unwanted or unknown callers.
Have the Mobile Phone Safety Talk
You want your kids to reap the benefits of having their own phone but also to develop awareness of safety concerns, such as cyberbullying and virtual stranger danger.
Keeping in mind their age and maturity level, talk to them about the risks of online sharing of personal information and why it's so important to alert you about any suspicious or uncomfortable interactions.
Decide on Downloads
Downloads (including apps, photos and attachments), social media, gaming and texting pose some of the biggest challenges managing screen time and engaging with age-appropriate content.
Talk to your child about any rules for these activities.
Review apps they would like to download.
Use parental controls to monitor and limit their usage, in-app purchases and downloads.
Know the School Rules
School rules regarding mobile phone usage will vary among different districts and among elementary, middle and high schools.
Some schools may allow phones but restrict usage during school hours. Others might have stricter policies. Knowing these rules can help your child use their phone responsibly and within the school's guidelines, and help you enforce any restrictions you feel are appropriate.
Best Phone Apps for Kids
Together, you can pick educational, entertaining and useful apps that suit their needs and interests. Here are 10 to help you get started.
Epic Kids Books and Reading: Over 40,000 kids' books
Kahoot Math Games: Fun math games
Khan Academy Education App: Academic app to support education by grade
Minecraft for Mobile: Popular educational game
NotOk App: Emotional wellness and communication for kids
DIY Creative Challenges. Creative challenges for ages 5 and up
Toontastic: Fun animation creation tool for kids available on Google Play
Duolingo: Fun and useful app for learning a new language
Marvel Snap: Fast-paced strategy game for Marvel fans
Angry Birds: Popular puzzle game that's fun for all ages
Kids and Mobile Phone Safety
Follow these tips to help give your child a positive and safe first experience with their new phone. Cox Mobile can help you choose the best phone for your child and your budget.
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