Internet Safety for Kids

Mobile Device Safety

Today, many kids and teens have mobile devices such as phones, iPods, and tablet computers. Since they may keep these devices with them all the time, it's important to know how to use them safely. If your kids use any kind of mobile device, you should talk to them about the dangers.

Using Mobile Devices While Driving

Texting while driving

If a teen receives a text message while driving, it's very tempting for them to respond to it immediately. However, this is extremely dangerous and often illegal. Even if the teen just looks down for a second, they could easily get into a serious accident. The safest thing for them to do is to wait until they can stop the car before typing a text message.

Of course, smartphones can do a lot more than just texting. They also allow you to browse the internet, send emails, and use social networking apps. Doing any of these things while driving can cause a wreck, just as texting can.

To learn about the dangers of texting while driving, watch The Last Text, a 10-minute documentary created by AT&T.

It can also be dangerous to text while walking, as it makes it more difficult to notice approaching cars or obstacles. It's important for your kids to avoid using their mobile devices in any situation where they need to stay alert.

Sexting

With most mobile phones, it's easy to take photos and send them to your friends. Since teens and preteens are curious and want to experiment, many of them take nude or sexual photos and send them to their boyfriends or girlfriends. This is known as sexting. It's important for your kids to know that sexting can have very serious consequences.

In many states, teens who engage in sexting can be prosecuted for child pornography. If convicted, the teen may have to spend time in prison and register as a sex offender. This will also make it harder to find a job or get into college. As you can see, the consequences of sexting can affect your teen's life for many years.

Many teens think that sexting is innocent, or that they won't get caught. However, photos can easily be shared online or over mobile phones, so they could be seen by anyone. You should make sure your kids know how serious the consequences can be.

ThinkUKnow.co.uk is an educational website created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. To learn more about the dangers of sexting, watch the following video from ThinkUKnow.co.uk.

Geolocation

Adding a location to a Facebook post

Many mobile apps use a feature called geolocation to share your location with other people. For example, if you post something using the Facebook mobile app, you can choose to add your location to your post. You can also do this with Foursquare, Twitter, and other apps. Although kids enjoy telling their friends where they are, it may be possible for criminals to use that information to learn about your child's whereabouts.

If you're uncomfortable having your child's location shared, you can turn off location-based services for some or all of the apps. Keep in mind that some apps (such as maps & directions apps) need to use location-based services, although they are not posting your location where others can see it.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

With a mobile device or laptop, you can often connect to the internet for free when you are at restaurants, stores, parks, and other places. These places are known as Wi-Fi hotspots. Hotspots can be very useful, but they are also less secure than your home internet connection. If your kids are using mobile devices, you'll need to make sure they know how to use Wi-Fi hotspots safely.

Review the interactive below with your child or teen to learn some tips for using Wi-Fi hotspots.

For more safety tips, check out the Wireless and Mobile Device Safety lesson in our Internet Safety tutorial.

Mobile Device Malware

Mobile apps

Many people don't think about getting viruses on their mobile devices, but it's still possible. If your kids have mobile devices, or if they occasionally use your devices, you should teach them to use the same caution that they would use with a computer.

Some companies, such as Norton and Kaspersky, offer antivirus software that can run on a mobile phone, but do your research as they may potentially slow down your phone's functions.

Tips for Avoiding Malware:

You can teach your kids the following tips to help them avoid malware on their mobile devices:

• Keep your mobile phone updated. Check your phone manufacturer's website for instructions on downloading security updates.
• Be cautious when downloading programs or apps. A program or app could contain malware, so research it before downloading.
• Avoid "free offers" and "free ringtones." An email or instant message that offers software for download, such as a ringtone or security update, may contain malware.
• If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts.