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All About: Children and Technology

LauraH
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So, your little person just got their first smartphone – now what?

 

In the ever-expanding technical world that we live in, it’s no surprise that today’s kids are getting their own smartphones at increasingly younger ages. But don’t panic – it’s completely natural for parents to worry about their children having a smartphone and what risks they face while using it. The good news is that there are plenty of measures that can be taken to provide you with peace of mind.

 

Three’s Internet Filter

At Three, we want kids to be able to use their smartphones without the risk of stumbling upon inappropriate content. That’s why all of our Prepay phones come with internet filters, to limit access to material that may not be suitable for our younger users. Find out more about Three’s Child Safety policy here.

 

As well as the content filter, there are a variety of apps that can help to safeguard your child’s phone.

 

If you prefer to take matters into your own hands, parents can also go as far as downloading a comprehensive parental control app, such as Norton Family (available on the App Store and the Google Play Store). With Norton Family, you can restrict children from using certain apps and using their phones at certain times, as well as tracking their location and monitoring their general phone usage. A similar option is Google Family Link (also available on the Google Play Store and the App Store), which will help set up those all-important digital ground rules like restricting screen time and setting a cut-off time each evening.

 

Consoles

While phones are one of the most common devices to communicate with, online chat on gaming consoles is rapidly growing in popularity, especially with the younger population.

 

Here are some tips to help you keep your child safe when playing on their gaming console:

 

Xbox

  • Add an age restriction: Settings > System > Signed our console restrictions > enter Microsoft password > Access to content > Select appropriate age for your child (this can vary per profile on the Xbox).
  • Customer the private settings: Privacy & Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View Details & Customise. Select the settings that you feel are necessary for your child.
  • Passkey: Settings > All Settings > Account > Sign in, Security & Passkey > Change My Sign In & Security Preferences > Change my Sign-in & Security Preferences > Customise > Ask for my Passkey to make Purchases. This may save you quite a bit of money if you have your credit/debit card saved to your Microsoft account.

PlayStation

  • Restrict Play Time: Settings > Parental Controls > Family Management > Play Time Settings > Play Time Restrictions. Set a time limit and stick to it.
  • Use Family Management: Settings > Parental Controls > Parental Controls/Family Management > Add Family Member. As you have set up the Playstation account initially, you are the Family Manager, and so will have access to all Member account settings. Adjust these as necessary for your child.

Nintendo Switch

  • Parental controls: Create a Parent/Guardian account on your child's Nintendo Switch and download the Nintendo Parental Controls app so you can keep track of your child's usage. 
  • Time Limit: Settings > Play Time Limit > Play Time Limit. In here, you can set limits on playtime for different days.
  • Age Limit: Settings > Restriction Level > Select an appropriate level for your child.

 

Strangers Online

One of the biggest worries (if not the biggest) is how easy it is for kids to chat with strangers online, whether it’s on a phone, tablet, console or PC, or any other device. Here are some tips to consider to reduce the risk to your children from strangers online:

  • Do not accept friend requests from someone you don’t know.
  • Don’t accept online messages from strangers.
  • Never give your password to anyone.
  • Never meet a someone that you have met online in person.
  • Don’t give out personal information like your name, address, or phone number.
  • Never send photos of yourself to anyone. 

 

Other Practical Tips for Parents

Finally, here are some important and useful tips:

  • If your child receives any abusive or rude calls, messages or photos, keep a record of the time and date. Remind them to tell a parent or trusted adult and to not forward these messages to other people.
  • Educate your child on social media awareness. Anything that they post on social media can be saved by other parties, even if they go on to delete it later. If they use social media, ensure that the social media profile is private and be mindful of everything they post and upload.
  • Before downloading an app, read the reviews. This will help you both to decide if you want to go ahead and download it onto your child's phone.
  • If you’re worried about your child losing or breaking their phone, insure it. Any device can be protected against loss, theft, screen, and liquid damage, and more with Three SOS insurance.
  • Download ‘Find my iPhone’ or ‘Android Device Manager’ apps on your child’s phone. These will prove useful should the phone be lost or stolen.
  • It may also be worth investing in a hardcover case for your child’s phone. You can find a range of cases available in our Accessory store.

 

Useful Links

 

For further information on Three’s commitment to child safety and responsible phone use, see here.

 

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