Protecting our children from inappropriate material has become common place on our television sets, through our cable/satellite providers, on our computers, and even through our internet providers. There are multiple options for software to install on our computers to filter pornography and/or record internet activity.
Unfortunately, cell phones and mobile devices are not as easy to protect.
My own study of parents giving their children cell phones revealed that 71% of parents did not use any cell phone parental controls.
Here are a few simple ways to protect your children:
1) Call your cell phone provider.
AT&T, Verizon and the others want to keep you as a customer. They have services for parents. There may be a small monthly fee which is well worth it. They will also explain how to use the services.
2) Use parental controls.
Ask your cell phone provider to explain how to use the parental controls that are built in to your child's particular mobile device. They usually provided the phone when you signed up for service and can help you use its parental controls. If they didn't provide it, call the manufacturer or place of purchase.
3) Use parental control apps.
The best I know of come from Covenant Eyes. This Christian company has apps for Apple and Android devices. However, the Apple app is only effective when the device's built in parental controls are implemented. The Android app does not filter but it does record and report all internet activity.
4) Provide your child a cell phone without internet.
82% of the parents in my study chose this option by either disabling internet through their provider or providing a phone without internet capability.
Cell phones and other mobile devices can be every bit as dangerous to our children as a computer. On these devices, we must be just as diligent if not more in protecting our children.
Tooley, E. (2013, August 15). First Mobile Phone and Effect on Behavior and Scholastic Performance. Unpublished. Garland, TX: Amberton University Master's Degree Program.
