Mobile Technology is Most Important For New Generation
Mobile Technology is Most Important For New Generation.
As mobile phones have evolved into an alternative and more personal way to access online content and services, all of the risks associated with the internet can also be applied to mobile phones, particularly when used by children and young people. Some of the key issues are outlined below:
Inappropriate content and contacts
Mobile phones now offer much of the functionality of a desktop computer, meaning that full access to the internet is readily available. Therefore the same risks exist – that children and young people may access inappropriate content, or content and services that just aren't designed for their age group. Likewise they might engage in communication – whether by text messaging, instant messaging (IM) or via social networking sites (SNS) – that is not necessarily appropriate.
The issues are heightened by the fact that mobile phones are such personal and private devices, and so it may be difficult for parents to monitor online activity in the same way as they might on the home PC.
It is important to remember, however, that just like PC’s mobile phones have parental controls and settings.
The issue of revealing too much personal information is one of the greatest concerns associated with online technologies today. Risks include increased chances of online harassment or cyberbullying, inappropriate online contacts, increased chances of being located in the real world, and identity theft.
Online reputation is another factor: young people may upload content and images, with little consideration for their longevity in the online world. The online activities of youth may prove to be an embarrassment in their adult lives, but are still ‘out there' for all to see!
Our online interactions also leave a ‘digital footprint': a trail showing where we have been and what we have done, which can impact upon privacy, both today and in the future.
Many social networks are now also ‘location’ aware. This means that when you update your social network profile from your mobile phone it shows where you are or the area that you are in. Some location-based services will even produce a custom map showing your location and the location of all of your friends. While this type of technology may be useful, it may also present other risks for some children and young people.
Location-based services (LBS) make use of the inbuilt facilities of mobile phones to provide content and services based on geographical location. Recently launched services such as Facebook Places, Foursquare and Google Latitude allow people to broadcast their locations to friends, often with a gaming element to encourage people to ‘check in' or upload location-tagged photos. Concerns therefore relate to privacy and contact, especially with the ability to pinpoint the exact location of a participating young person at any given time.
Expensive mobile phone handsets are desirable items, and so unfortunately are at risk from theft. Children and young people may be particularly vulnerable to such crime.
The most important online safety strategy, regardless of the technology involved, is to maintain an open dialogue with your child about their digital lives.
Set ground rules for using mobile phones (as with any technology) - and have penalties for if they are abused - but try not to impose fear in your child that their phones will be taken away from them if they do encounter problems.
If problems do occur, talk through the issues in a calm and rational way, and try to help your child devise sensible self-protection strategies should they encounter problems again in the future.
Likewise, look out for changes in your child – are they quieter than usual; are they being secretive; do they seem overly tired and detached from day-to-day life? Children are often reluctant to discuss their problems, but any of these behaviours could indicate that they are experiencing issues online.
It's a good idea to discuss – and set – ground rules with your children for their use of mobile phones. Make sure that this is a shared exercise – if children feel that they have been involved in the making of rules, and understand the reasoning behind them, they will be more likely to stick by them.
Ground rules are likely to vary depending on age, but may include for example:
- Rules on where, when and how mobile phones can be used (for example, not at mealtimes, not at school during lesson times, not after a certain time at night).
- An understanding that mobile phone numbers should never be posted online.
- Limits on monthly mobile phone expenditure (pre-pay services, for example, can help to keep costs under control).
- Restrictions on accessing premium-rate services via the phone (for example, only with prior permission).
- No responding to SMS spam.
- Don't let other people use your mobile phone, unless there is a genuine emergency and only if you are present.
- No sending mean or unkind messages via mobile phone. If mean or unkind messages are received, or anything else that doesn't 'feel right', seek the help of a trusted adult.
- Think carefully about what you share or upload from your mobile phone. Once shared, messages and images cannot be taken back, and will potentially exist in cyberspace for ever more.
- Be discreet in your use of your mobile phone - don't flash it around as a target for thieves.
Sunday, 8 March 2015 - 
Mobile usage
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Mobile usage
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