Mobiles and Gaming
How do young people use their mobile phone?
Young people like to have a mobile phone as it gives them a feeling of independence and enables them to plan arrangements with friends. They can also have a lot of fun with games, ringtones and taking pictures and can also exchange data (e.g. pictures or ringtones) wirelessly over short distances using their phone's bluetooth technology. As mobile technology develops increasing numbers of children have access to the internet through their phones, providing them with access to their email, social networking and gaming sites etc on the move.
What are the risks for young people using a mobile phone?
A large proportion of new mobile phones have web access, and more recently - mobile TV. This means that young people can access content from the internet and TV wherever they are, and without parental or teacher supervision. With the advent of picture and video messaging - young people need to be increasingly careful about the images they share. It is very easy for inappropriate images to be shared around a number of phones, changed and even put online, where it is impossible to get back Young people also need to be aware that they put themselves at risk of mobile bullying, or inappropriate intimate contact if they give out their mobile number to people they don't fully trust.
How can I reduce the risks to my children using their mobiles?
There are now mobile phone operators who sell phones with filtering software included, so that children won't access inappropriate websites or content. It is worth checking that your child's phone has this capability. Remind your child that any image they send on their mobile can be changed and shared online, and that once they have sent an image they have lost control of it. Read through the young people's website with your child, and help them to understand that they shouldn't give out personal details such as their mobile number to strangers, or other young people that they don't fully trust.
Why do young people like to play games over the internet?
Gaming can be great fun, and can be a place where young people play, chat to each other and swap user names to ensure that they can get to the next levels.
What are the risks to young people when gaming?
There are three main risks...
- Addiction: Online gaming can occasionally be addictive for young people. Young people often spend hours every night playing games, especially when their parents have gone to bed. For this reason, CEOP recommends that the computer is kept in a family room. Parents will also then be able to monitor what games their children are playing, to ensure they are age appropriate.
- Abuse: Some young people who use online games can be abusive to other gamers, ranging from saying nasty things on the facility to not sharing cheats or knowledge on how to progress to the next level. Young people should be encouraged that when they play online games, they treat others how they would like to be treated.
- Risky behaviour: Adults with a sexual interest in children will encourage them to engage in inappropriate behaviour for rewards including sexual acts via webcam or sex chat. Young people need to understand that their online behaviour has offline consequences and that if someone engages them in a sexual manner online that they should inform a trusted adult immediately.
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