So, your little person just got their first smartphone – now what?
In our technology-filled world, it’s no surprise that kids are getting their first smartphone at increasingly younger ages. But don’t panic – it’s completely natural for parents to worry about their children having a smartphone and what content they might have access to. The good news is that there are plenty of measures that can be taken to improve your peace of mind!
Three’s Internet Filter
At Three, we want kids to be able to use their smartphones without the risk of stumbling onto inappropriate content. We can provide internet filters upon request by a customer to limit access to material that may not be suitable for children. Find out more about Three’s Child Safety policy by clicking here, or read more about our Internet Filter by clicking here.
As well as a 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 theApp Store by clicking here or on the Google Play Store by clicking here). 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 monitor their general phone usage. A similar option is Google Family Link (also available on the App Store by clicking here and Google Play Store by clicking here), which will help set up those all-important digital ground rules, like restricting screen time and setting a cut-off time each evening.
How to add restrictions to a Smartphone
iPhone
Apple iPhone offer users the ability to manage screen time and enables you to apply restrictions to your content and privacy settings.
Manage your iPhone's Screen Time Settings by navigating to Settings > Screen Time
From here, you will be able to set limits on your App and website activity by setting screen lock times for yourself and your family
Want to have a look and see what other features your iPhone offers why not click here and select your device from our Device Support, once you've selected your device you'll be present with a number of features but more can be found by clicking User Guide.
Samsung
If you’re looking to add some parental controls to a Samsung Galaxy, you can do this through your Samsung account. Find out more about how to create a Samsung account and activate parental controls by clicking here.
To see other features that Samsung offer click here and select your phone in our Device Support.
Google Play
Google Play offers parental controls to Android device users via their Google Play account. You can set up Parental controls on Apps, games, movies, TV and books. If you would like to learn more about Google Play controls, click here.
To see other features that your phone has to offer click here and select your phone in our Device Support.
Consoles
Smartphones aren't the only way to communicate with people online! Gaming consoles have chat features, and it can be a good idea to place restrictions on who your child can speak to online.
How to add restrictions on consoles
Xbox
- Add an age restriction: Press the Xbox button > Profile & system > Settings > Account > Family settings. Next, select 'Manage family members' and choose the member whose settings you wish to update. Then select 'Access to content' to set the age level.
- Custom the private settings: Press the Xbox button > Profile & system > Settings > Account > Family setting and Manage family members. Select the member whose settings you wish to update and select 'Privacy & online safety'.
- Passkey: Press the Xbox button > Profile & system > Settings > Account > Sign-in, security & pins > Change my sign-in & security preference. Select 'Ask for my PIN' (This might save you quite a bit of money if you have your credit/debit cards are saved to your Microsoft account.)
PlayStation
- Restrict Play Time: Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Play Time Settings > Play Time Restrictions. This will help you to control how much time is spent on the device.
- Use Family Management: Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management. Here, you need to set up the PlayStation account with yourself as the Family Manager, and so will have access to all Member account settings and usage details.
Nintendo Switch
- Parental controls: Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App to your phone. Click here to visit Apples App Store by clicking here or the Google Play Store by clicking here. If you don’t already have an account, you will need to set one up.
- Time Limit: In the Nintendo Switch Parental Control App, go to Settings > Play Time Limit. In here, you can set limits on playtime for different days.
- Age Limit: In the Nintendo Switch parental Control App, go to Settings > Restriction Level > Select an appropriate level for your child.
Strangers Online
One of the biggest worries when it comes to children and technology is how easy it is for kids to chat with strangers online, whether it’s on a phone, tablet, console, 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.
- Don't chat to people that you have never met before over the in-game microphone.
- Never give your password to anyone.
- Never meet 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 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 about the incident, 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 your child uses social media, ensure that the social media profile is private and be mindful of everything they post and upload. It is a good idea to follow them with your own social media accounts.
- 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.
- It is a good idea to watch your child play their game from time to time, or play the game with them. This will give you an idea as to whether the content is suitable for them or not.
- If you are 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, which you can learn more about by clicking here.
- Download the Find my iPhone App by clicking here or Android Device Manager App by clicking here to 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 by clicking here.
Useful Links
Click here for further information on Three’s commitment to child safety and responsible phone use.
Have a question or want to add a tip? Click here to chat with the 3Community, and remember to check out our blog on getting started with Three by clicking here.