Do you need schooling on mobile internet safety?
Phones 4u has launched an education programme to help mums and dads understand the security options available on today’s mobile phones, enabling parents to make informed decisions to protect their children.
Scott Hooton, Chief Commercial Officer at Phones 4u, said: “We’re looking to address the low awareness amongst parents about the range of security tools available on phones that are being used by children, to ensure they have the information they need to help their children stay safe online.
“While our research reveals the positive news that parents have a trusting relationship with their children, it also revealed more can be done by the industry to ensure parents stay informed of the security tools that are available to them,” he said.
The programme follows insight conducted by ICM on behalf of Phones 4u which reveals that although all parents are happy to buy their children a mobile phone, awareness of security tools is low with 71 percent of parents admitting that they haven’t used an internet safety tool and almost a third revealing they aren’t aware of such tools.
As a parent of three girls, one of which is in the process of getting a phone, I am very concerned about the safety aspects of mobile internet even though I trust my children to be sensible...
Instead, parents trust their children to police themselves online with 85 per cent consider their children to be very aware of the potential risks of using the internet on their mobile phone, and 88 percent believe their children are open with them about how they use the internet on their phones.
Founder of BritMums, Susanna Scott, said: “Getting a mobile phone is a big and important step in the growth of a child, parents naturally want to understand the risks and do all they can to guide their children in the right direction.
“As a parent of three girls, one of which is in the process of getting a phone, I am very concerned about the safety aspects of mobile internet even though I trust my children to be sensible, you have a responsibility as a parent to make sure you’re informed and educating them about the risks associated with anything they may be doing,” she said.
Phones 4u has created a dedicated microsite to help guide people through the available tools – both at network and device level – which includes practical advice on installation. In addition, the subject of mobile security has been incorporated into Phones 4u’s consultative in-store sales process as well as on the Phones 4u website. This helps to ensure parents have the information they need to make decisions about the best handset and plans for their child’s needs.
Susanna added: "This new site from Phone 4u is a much needed and very welcome source of information on the internet security options available across all mobile phone providers.”
CEO of Childnet, Will Gardner, said: "With mobile phones increasingly becoming an integral part of children's lives, it is vital parents and carers are aware of the tools available to them as well as the key advice and information that they and their children need to use their phones safely and responsibly.
“The UK Mobile Operators have provided tools to help parents filter out age-inappropriate content, and we hope that this new guidance from Phones 4u can help highlight these tools to their customers,” he added.
For more information about mobile internet security, you can visit the new Phones 4u microsite: www.phones4u.co.uk/mobile-security
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