Mumsnet users share what they think about children using mobile devices with cyber security experts ESET

[JustineBMumsnet]

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Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have become a part of everyday life, and children are increasingly using them. With this in mind, ESET Mobile Security would like to hear what your thoughts are on children using mobile devices and becoming vulnerable to cyber threats.

Here’s what ESET has to say: “With ever more of us living a life online, every member of the family can be left vulnerable through their phones or tablets and smartphone users with no antivirus software are opening themselves up to some serious threats. Whether it is virus software, dodgy apps or phishing emails, our devices are increasingly susceptible and it is becoming more and more crucial to consider how you can best protect your phones and tablets.”

When do you think children should have access to mobile tech like smartphones and tablets? Do your children have their own devices, or do they use yours? If your children are using smartphones or tablets what do they use them for? Have you spoken to your children about internet security measures? Have you downloaded antivirus software on to your devices?

All who post on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list) and one year’s free Premium subscription to ESET’s Mobile Security App.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

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I am happy to let my children use tablets on occasion right now (they are young), and as they grow older I will allow it more as needed. And when they're much older and need phone to call me, I will allow them to have call-only devices. But what I don't think is necessary is unrestricted internet/data accesses from a young age. They will be allowed to use devices as necessary, for school and life, but they won't be allowed to walk around everywhere with a data enabled mobile phone. I think it forms addiction and isn't healthy for the developing child.

I bought my son a mobile phone for his 10th birthday.

Several of the other mums at school thought it was too young but I wanted to introduce him to this type of technology whilst he was still young because at this age, he is still led by my guidance and asks my advice about which apps he can safely download and which messages he should respond to.

Like it or not, mobile phones are an integrated part of all our lives now and I feel that by teaching my son how to safely use one, he will have an awareness of how to use this technology when he is older and less likely to come to me with every issue.

I am not suggesting that 10 is the ideal age as each child is different. I also have a 7 year old daughter and I am not sure if 10 will be right for her yet.

Mine had his when he started secondary school and was walking by himself.
He uses it to keep in touch with friends and to play games. He knows that dh or I will check it and we know the pin.
We have spoken about security and sharing information. I think we could do with antivirus software and a discussion about phishing actually.

My daughters have access to tablets. But we have strict measures in place. These days parents can restrict anything they don't want their kids seeing. My daughter can't go on an internet browser and if she wants an app game, I get a notification asking for permission. My eldest is 12 now and has a mobile. But even she doesn't have complete access to the net or apps. I think we are the first generation of parents dealing with internet security, so it's a guessing game. But it's up to us to keep them safe. They can be exposed to a lot online.

I think it comes down to two terrifying words “unknown territory”.

Ours is the first generation of children growing up with smart phones and devices and I’m sure no matter how we try to keep them safe we will look back on the glaring mistakes we have made.

It’s easy to get sloppy, to go from keeping an eye on everything your ten year old is watching on YouTube (I of course have parental controls) to letting them be in their bedroom with YouTube and assuming parental controls will keep it all safe...until I heard the words “Ted Bundy” coming from my sons tablet.....an approved (by me) you tuber was talking about the Netflix series...that YouTuber is now OFF the approved list.

My son has a phone (an old Nokia but a smart phone) and he is allowed WhatsApp on the condition that I of course log into his phone and check it’s just him and his two friends talking (and it is) I’ve never seen so many gifs in all my life!

I wish there was a safer way to allow my boy freedom with the devices, but I guess like all things, we can just do our best to allow them independence while trying with all our might to keep them safe ❤️

My little one is only 2, but already I see how addictive phones can be and she is always asking relatives to show her videos on their phones.

DS (8) has use of a laptop and iPad

He did have my old iPhone for a while but that has since gone to phone heaven and isn't going to be replaced (despite protestations!)

i dont mind older children having mobile devices but children seem to be using them younger and younger! I dont think babies should be using them! I've seen loads of babies using them lately!

My children are getting older so they all use devices. My eldest two both have mobile phones but I have them set up on a family account so I can monitor use, and switch them off if I feel they need a break. It also means that they can't download anything without asking me.

This is the way of the future so I think they should be allowed to use them. I think the most important thing is that we educate them on how to use them and how not to use them. Building trust, knowing that they would come to you if they saw something they knew was wrong. I'm glad to say I can allow my daughter to use the internet, her phone, ipad etc and know that she comes to me straight away when something isn't right or if someone were to contact her that she didn't know.

Unless it's really necessary eg to stay in contact when they are away or a bit older and make their own way to school, I really don't see the need. The risks outweigh the benefits. That's for unsupervised use though- mobile devices under supervision, no issue. I also quite like the idea of a mobile tagging system to track where they are :)

Its fine, it's the way forward and you have to encourage it. Security is an obvious and serious concern but I'm very aware of the risks and I talk to mine about it a lot. I also reserve the right to inspect any device at any time just to be absolutely sure of what's going on.

I don't mind them using tablets or phones but I do make sure parental control is on. I also check up on them regularly and ask them what they've been up to. Checking also on website history and the apps installed.

there are mobiles that you can use for speed dial numbers only. They were advertised with Age UK but would be beneficial for kids at school. Means that they can't text etc; during class situations....but still have a mobile to contact in an emergency.

www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2228910/Age-UK-launch-frills-mobile-phone-elderly.html

I think holding out until a child is older is a good plan before giving them a mobile if possible. If they really need to be in touch with parents a basic old fashioned texting phone works fine. Smartphones are addictive and open kids up to bullying via social media, plus the risk of being exposed to inappropriate material, grooming, being pressured into sending explicit photos, etc. I know it's hard to wait when children are being given phones at younger and younger ages but if you can get your child to see the advantages of waiting I think there are definite benefits.

I have a love/ hate relationship but would prefer it if they never existed! I do worry about kids and their communication skills or lack of. I monitor my kids but know that they probably have too much screen time on the odd occasion.

I think it's ok as long as they have not got easy access to the internet and cannot go on social sites without you knowing ( not until they are old enough) I took mobiles an laptops off them before they went to bed so they can get a good nights sleep.

we've banned mobiles until they're teenagers.

I’m not so worried about my son now that he’s older. Because he’s more savvy about what’s right and what’s a bit dodgy if someone unknown where to contact him. However, my DSS who is only 8, I feel a bit more concerned about because he’s a very trusting chap and may not realise if someone isn’t genuine who is speaking to him.

I don't think kids should have unsupervised access until they're at least secondary school age. It's ridiculous how many parents give their kids access to YouTube when they're only a few years old.

i absolutely hate seeing small kids use mobile phones, social media and technology wil ruin thiir social life. my eldesttwho is now 17 didnt have a mobile til she was 13 and even then it was one like a brick that didnt have internet!

child + mobile device = parental responsibility

It should always be monitored and kept to a minimum. I always think when I was growing up there were no devices and we all got on just fine. If only it was like that now!

My DD is 9 years old. Unlike a lot of her peers she does not have a mobile phone yet. We may consider getting her one when she will be ready to walk to school on her own. She uses our tablets but is limited to certain apps. The latest media coverage has confirmed we have made the right decision in her use of mobile devices. We constantly talk about what to do if she sees something online that upsets her, that apps with chat functions are not safe and are full of strangers.