mobileu.co.uk

Parents not controlling mobile phone internet risks

The majority of parents still do not install control measures on their children's mobile phones to prevent them from accessing unsuitable material, according to a new set of research.

The study by clinical psychologist and government internet safety advisor, Tanya Byron, warned that 9 out of 10 parents fail to monitor their children's usage. The figures were published in partnership with the Carphone Warehouse and YouGov and show that 85 per cent of parents had not even bothered to activate locks on their child's mobile phone.

The survey saw the interviewing of around 3,000 UK parents. More than half of them said that they did not believe protection was necessary or were not even aware that such measures were available.


Byron warned that a more and more technologically advanced mobile phones are introduced in the market, it is becoming easier and easier for anyone to access anything from them.
"Online risks to children are as prevalent when they access the internet via their mobile phone as when they access it via their PC or laptop,” Byron said.

In a bid to offer parents the advice they need, the Carphone Warehouse is offering a free booklet, which can be found in any of its 800 stores, in which Byron outlines her 'Talk, Act and Engage' strategy for them.