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Did You Know?

75% of teens (ages 12-17) have cell phones.
Lenhart A. Teens and Mobile Phones. Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2010

When you think about your children’s online activities, do you consider their cell phones? Children can send and receive images, e-mails, texts, and instant messages from their phones, which many parents and guardians do not monitor. However, you should consider cell phones an extension of the Internet and employ the same safeguards.

Enabling Cyberbullies

Cell phones make it easy for children to talk with their friends, but they also make them vulnerable to cyberbullying. Cell phones can be used at anytime and anywhere, giving cyberbullies unlimited access to their victims. Children may send and receive mean-spirited phone calls, texts, and picture messages at any hour. 

Enabling Predators

Predators also know and take advantage of the fact that cell phones let them talk with their victims at anytime. They are also aware that parents and guardians often forget to monitor children’s cell phones. While some predators ask children for their cell phone numbers after meeting them online, there have been some cases where predators try to connect with willing children by sending texts to random numbers. 

Enabling Sexting

“Sexting” is a term used to describe the sending of sexually explicit text or picture messages of minors by minors. What most young people do not realize is that the production, possession, and distribution of explicit photos of minors, even if they are self-produced, may be illegal. Furthermore, if these explicit photos end up on the Internet, children risk embarrassment and could jeopardize scholastic, athletic, and employment opportunities.

Tips

Help children use cell phones safely

Is your child counting down the days until he or she is permitted to have a cell phone? Or are you already negotiating minute and text message allowances? Whichever stage you may be in with your child, these tips will help you set rules for safer cell phone use.

  • Review cell phone records for any unknown numbers and late night phone calls and texts.
  • Remind your child that texting is viral—anything sent in a text can be easily forwarded and shared.
  • Teach your child never to reveal cell phone numbers or passwords online.
  • Talk to your child about the possible consequences of sending sexually explicit or provocative images or text messages.
  • When shopping for a cell phone for your child, research the security settings that are available.
  • Find more tips for safer wireless use from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children here.  

Discussion Starters

Start a discussion with your child

Use these discussion starters to get an Internet safety conversation going with your children. The more often you talk to them about online safety, the easier it will get, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t respond immediately!

  • What features do you use on your cell phone? Could you show me how to use them?
  • Have you ever sent a text that was rude or mean?
  • How many numbers do you have stored in your phone? Do you know them all in person?
  • Has anyone ever taken an embarrassing picture of you without your permission?
  • Have you ever taken an embarrassing picture of someone else? What did you do with it?
  • Have you ever talked with someone you first met online on your cell phone?
  • What would you do if someone sent you a text or picture that was inappropriate?