WITH THE PROPER
PROTECTIONS IN PLACE,
A MOBILE PHONE CAN
BE A SOURCE OF FUN,
CONNECTION AND
SAFETY FOR KIDS.
Is it time
for their
first phone?
getting your child one with
the same operating system as
their parents', so the interface
is familiar and it's easier
to share app purchases. If
you're looking at Android, the
OPPO A53s Fancy Blue is a
great starting point. If you're
in the iPhone camp, the Apple what they are doing online
iPhone SE is the
entry-level model
that's the right size
for little hands.
There comes a time in every child's life when they need a
mobile phone. Maybe they've started after-school activities
and need to be able to ring in an emergency, or their friends
have smartphones and they don't want to be left out. But how
young is too young, and what options are out there to keep
children safe?
NSW) and there are ways
children can get around it if
they're determined. eSafety
also suggests interacting with
your child online. "Become
their friend or follow their
social media accounts. This
will enable you to observe
WHAT AGE SHOULD KIDS GET A MOBILE PHONE?
There is no magic age because every child is different, says
the eSafety Commissioner, an Australian Government initiative.
That said, no-one knows your child better than you. eSafety
has this advice:
and support them
to make safer
choices about
Need insurance cover what they share
COMING SOON
"The right age for your child will depend on their level of
maturity and your family routine. It is worth asking yourself the
following questions before handing over a digital device:
for your child's phone?
The Good Guys Mobile and how they
Extras plans help with share it."
KEEPING KIDS
SAFE
Keeping kids
safe online is one
of the biggest
challenges for
parents, whether
it's through social
media, text messaging or in a
game. While there are plenty
of apps available to spy on a
child's phone, often the best
approach is to discuss the
risks with your child so they
feel comfortable coming to
you if they encounter anything
that feels off. Plus, monitoring
or tracking someone's phone
without their permission is
technically illegal (at least in
set-up, security software
and allow you to swap
I Does my child have a good sense of responsibility?
the phone (subject to PRIORITISING
a service fee). Add on
IAre they able to stick to the rules?
I Do they showa good understanding of actions and
consequences?
I Do they come to me or another trusted adult when they
are distressed or if they encounter problems?
I What are the rules about when and where my child can
use their smartphone? For example, will they only be able
to use it while they are away from the house, and not in their
bedroom at night?"
Mobile Extras when you PRIVACY
There are many
ways to view
security in relation
to a child's
smartphone. Anti-virus and
anti-malware software are
worth considering. eSafety
also suggests: "Sit down
together and check privacy
settings on social media
accounts, apps and devices
ensure they have selected the
highest privacy setting." In the
end, you are the best expert
comes to your child,
so trust your judgement. I
buy a mobile device
from The Good Guys
and you'll also access
VIP offers and more.
An extra question is: why does my child need a phone?
Because if they're primary school-aged, they might be better
off with a pre-paid mobile phone without the smarts. If that's
the case, the Opel Mobile BigButton X 4G is a fantastic choice.
when
However, if now is the right time for a smartphone, it's worth
THE GOOD GUYS
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