As a parent, it can be both exciting and daunting to give your child their first phone. For one, it allows them to stay in touch with you and their friends. However, it also opens them up to a world of potential online dangers and threats. To ensure your child’s first phone experience is a positive one, it’s important to take steps to secure the device and educate your child about online safety.

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Why you should talk to your kids about robocalls

Teaching kids about robocalls and scam calls can help to protect them from potential harm, improve their financial literacy, empower them to make informed decisions, prepare them for the future and develop good habits when it comes to phone calls and online communication.

Why you should set up security precautions on your kids phone

By setting these security precautions, you can ensure that your kids are protected from potential harm and that they are using their phones in a safe and responsible manner. It will also give you peace of mind as a parent, knowing that your kids are using their phones in a safe and appropriate way.

Six steps you can take to secure your child’s first phone:

  1. Use parental controls: Most smartphones now come with built-in parental controls that allow you to block certain websites and apps, set time limits on phone usage, and even track your child’s location. For example, on an iPhone, you can use the “Screen Time” feature to set limits on phone usage and block certain apps or websites. On an Android phone, you can use the “Google Family Link” app to set similar controls.
  2. Install security software: There are a number of security apps available that can help protect your child’s phone from malware, viruses, and other online threats. Some popular options include Norton Family, Kaspersky Safe Kids, and McAfee Safe Family.
  3. Use a VPN: A VPN (virtual private network) can help protect your child’s phone from hackers and other online threats by encrypting their internet connection. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to intercept their data or steal their personal information.
  4. Teach your child about online safety: It’s important to educate your child about the dangers of the internet, such as scams, phishing, and cyberbullying. Teach them to never give out personal information online, to be wary of unsolicited messages, and to never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
  5. Talk to your child about robocalls: Robocalls can be a nuisance for adults, but they can be especially confusing for children. Teach your child about the dangers of robocalls, how to recognize them, and what to do if they receive one. Explain that they should never give out personal information over the phone, and that if they receive a call from an unknown number, they should hang up immediately.
  6. Teach your child about vishing, phishing: Teach your child about the dangers of phishing and how to recognize it. Explain that phishing is when someone sends an email or text message that looks like it’s from a legitimate source, but is actually from a scammer. Tell them to never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources, and to never give out personal information online.

It is important to set security precautions on your kids’ phones to protect them from potential harm and keep them safe while they are using their devices. By taking these steps to secure your child’s first phone and educating them about online safety, you can help ensure they have a positive and secure experience with their new device.


More on how to keep you phone secure:

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