Research from phone experts at SellCell reveals over 40% of children spend over four hours per day on a cell phone, which leaves them vulnerable to multiple security threats and inappropriate contents.
Experts warn with 12% of children first getting their hands on mobile phones between the ages of one and two years old, it's vital to have safety features in place to avoid accidental data breaches.
Although 68% of parents view cell phones as having a positive impact on their child’s physical or mental development, experts are urging parents to ensure they're clued up on security features for their kid’s devices and phones.
With each iOS update, Apple expands their security and privacy measures. The launch of the new iPhone 15 this month will come alongside the unveiling of iOS 17.
iOS 17 will include a feature designed to tackle an ongoing health issue among children by keeping screen distance in check.
Due to increased screen time and children holding devices so near to their eyes, the risk of Myopia is growing.
The screen distance feature warns users when it detects the device is being held too close to their eyes, to deter children from staring too closely at the screen for extended lengths of time.
The new iOS will also offer parents with a feature to detect sensitive photos sent in messages on a child’s device.
Sarah McConomy, COO of SellCell said: “With children receiving cell phones so much earlier in life, and having access to siblings or parents phones, it's more important than ever before to protect them.
“Security threats and access to sensitive material are naturally of concern for many parents, but there are measures in place to protect children.
“With the launch of the new iPhone and unveiling of iOS 17, Apple users can make use of enhanced safety features.
“Once new software is available to cell phone users, it's vital to update as soon as you can on your own devices and those of your children, if they have their own phone or tablet. Make sure to go into the settings and turn on all appropriate features to have peace of mind.”
Here are SellCell’s tips on keeping your kids safe whilst they are using devices:
Update software
Apple software updates usually come with a new range of privacy and security advancements to meet concerns of the users. Ensure to complete all software updates and go into your child's settings to turn on all appropriate features.
Passwords
Avoid security breaches and data leaks by ensuring your children’s passwords aren't vulnerabe. Ensure you keep a note of all passwords and make them different from one another. Although streamlining passwords across accounts is more straightforward, it can put a whole number of accounts at risk.
App monitoring
Malicious spyware can be found in a number of apps and games which your child may download onto their device. Engaging with ads or pop ups within apps can give them access to invade your data and private information. Make sure to monitor your child’s apps.
Content and privacy restrictions
In screen time settings, you can block or limit certain apps and features on your child’s device. Parents concerned with their children spending money on apps or being vulnerable to explicit content can also restrict their access to explicit content, downloads, purchases and privacy.
Ask to buy
You can turn on the ‘ask to buy’ feature, meaning a child’s device will require permission before making purchases, downloading apps or signing up for any subscriptions.
Messages check in
iOS 17 will unveil a privacy add-on designed to ensure safety for family and friends by automatically notifying contacts when they arrive at their destination.
Enable family sharing
Apple’s family sharing service enables your loved ones to access a shared pool of content. Through this, you can set up content restrictions, ask to buy, downtime and communication limits. You can also share your child’s location with all members of the family sharing group.
https://www.sellcell.com/mobile-phone-statistics/#mobile-phones-child-usage-and-parental-attitudes
(Image courtesy of Ulrike Mai from Pixabay)
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