Regarding children and smartphones, the conversation has shifted from debating the appropriate age for them to receive their first device to focusing on strategies for ensuring their safety while using them – and for good reason.
The use of phones among young people comes with inherent risks, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard their well-being. Fortunately, there are practical steps that individuals can take to enhance children’s safety when using smartphones.
“Kids are going to have access to smartphones, even if it’s not theirs,” says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. “We have to take steps to help ensure their safety. It’s the best way to allow them to use the technology and yet not fall victim to the risks.”
Teenagers Are More Digitally Connected Than Ever
According to a March 2024 report from the Pew Research Center, today’s teenagers are more digitally connected than ever, with the vast majority having smartphones and engaging with social media platforms. The report highlights that 95% of teens possess a smartphone, with many acquiring their first device around the age of 12.
Whether children receive their phones or begin utilizing others’, prioritizing safety measures is crucial. Parents must remain vigilant about various safety concerns to protect their children better. These encompass practicing mindfulness while using smartphones, understanding the risks posed by online predators, mental health implications, bullying issues, and even the potential disruption of sleep quality if healthy boundaries regarding phone usage are not established early on.
“There are no absolute ways to keep our kids 100% safe on their phones,” adds Smalley. “But doing these things can go a long way toward helping to reduce risks and keep them safer. That’s a step in the right direction for every parent.”
Here are 5 practical tips for parents to help keep their kids safer using phones:
Determine Acceptable Options
Parents should determine what they want their kids to be able to do on the phone and then choose a device. The features are important and will determine how much the child can do. This includes determining acceptable types of devices, apps, and websites.
Consider Helpful Tools
Parents can use tools, such as Bark, to monitor their child’s online usage. The system has been designed to monitor email, texts, and more and conduct risk assessments. The parent will receive an alert if a risk is assessed, such as a predator interaction. Another good tool option to consider is Teen Safe.
Set Expectations and Rules
Discuss with the child what you feel is acceptable phone usage and what will happen if they don’t follow it. This goes for acceptable social media usage, taking photos, how long they can use it each day, and more.
Discuss Cyberbullying and Predators
This is a critical topic that parents need to discuss with their child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reports of cyberbullying (bullying done online or on the phone) are highest in the middle, followed by high school. Add to that the fact that the U.S. Department of Justice reports that sexual predators are shifting their contacts with kids to cell phones. Kids need to know about each of these, what they look like, how to identify it, and what to do if they see it. They also need to know it’s not acceptable to participate in cyberbullying of any kind.
Set an Example
Parents must set an example of how to use phones and all technology in a healthy manner. This includes not using it while driving a car, riding a bike, or overusing it. In the Pew Research report, nearly half of all the teens surveyed said that their parents are sometimes distracted by their phones when they try to talk to them. When parents establish healthy phone habits and boundaries, they are providing a good example for their kids.
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