5 Things Your Child Should Know Before They Get Their First Mobile Device.
The convenience of mobile devices appeals to consumers of all ages, including your children. It wasn’t all that long ago that you were teaching your children to be safe online. These days, “online” often involves being connected to some mobile device with access to the Internet. Your children should have a firm grip of mobile safety before hoping onto their first device; it wouldn’t hurt for parents to takes a few notes too. In case your kids missed Data Privacy Day on January 28th – who knew? – here are five things your child should know before going mobile for the first time:
1. Use Complex Passwords
While you and your kids have probably heard the password mantra a million times, you’d be surprised how many people still fail to choose a good password. Every mobile device has the option for some type of password protection. Take time to go help your kids choose passwords that include a combination of letters and numbers. Password Reminder is a free tool you and your kids can use to keep track of your device passwords. It won’t automatically enter passwords, but it is a good resource to have in case your child forgets a password.
2. Don’t Download Apps Without Permission
Apps are great, but they can also contain viruses and other harmful stuff that may invade your child’s devices. Make it a rule that apps aren’t to be downloaded without permission. Apps from trusted sites such as Apple’s iTunes Store tend be safer than apps found via other sources. If you have any doubt about an app, it’s best to skip it and find a similar app from a trusted source. As a general rule, NO FREE APPS EVER. While tempting, free apps are often loaded with malicious software.
Note: Tell your kids to ignore any “urgent messages” to provide personal information updates. No legitimate mobile provider will contact you or your kids in this way.
3. Have Rules About Posting Pics and Comments
Even if your kids don’t intend for you to see a pic they post online, questionable pics and comments can come back to bite your kids later – a concept they may not grasp just yet. Have rules about posting pics and comments online via any mobile device. Take the time to go over these rules and let your kids know what will happen if they don’t follow these rules. Emphasize the point that it’s for their own safety too. A good rule for kids to follow: don’t post any pics or comments you wouldn’t feel comfortable having your parents, teachers, or other responsible adults in your life reading.
4. Make Sure Solid Security Packages Are Already Installed
Before allowing your kids to use their first mobile devices, make sure the latest security features and software have already been installed. You can usually check this at the place where you purchase your child’s mobile devices. If you are purchasing a mobile device for your child online, many sites allow you to add extra security features. If you’re not sure what is included on a mobile device you intend to let your child use, take it to an authorized dealer to have it checked.
5. Use Mobile Apps
There are plenty of mobile apps that you can use to boost your kids’ safety in case they don’t always use the best judgement. Think of it as an extra level of security and safety. Kids know more than you might think. If you think they’re mature enough, go ahead and let them know you’re using apps for their added protection. Some of these apps include:
• Sygic Family – This app allows your kids to check their device’s battery power and to locate nearby family members.
• Life360 – This app allows you to check location history. It also provides info on the nearest police stations, hospitals, and other emergency locations. This app can be used on both smartphones and regular cellphones without mobile access.
• Mobile Kids – This app lets you know when your kids are using their mobile devices, when they download an app, and even when they add a contact not on your approved list of contacts for your kids.
Sarah Hendricks is a security expert on protecting users and businesses from hackers and data leakage. Users in the office, at home, or working remotely are all subject to attack. Sarah has teamed up with Mobile antivirus software from http://www.nq.com/ to keep mobile devices protected nation wide!
