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 think it's a valuable skill being able to use technology like this. I think it's important they are educated and able to use it appropriately. It offers them an awful lot and I think as long as they are accessing appropriate content it's generally a good thing.

There should be no screen time though for meals, family time, friend time etc.

My son was allowed his own mobile phone when he started secondary school at 11, but he has to allow us access to it at all times, We regularly discuss whats inappropriate and whats not, He has access to a tablet he shares with his brother and i'm sure they would know their way around any blocking software I decided to install

My 2 (5 and 4) have tablets with an overlay app called Kids Place installed. This blocks adverts and limits time and blocks access to anything other than what I allow. They mostly use tablets on long car journeys.

We let them use our smart phones to play games when out and about also (long wait for lunch or similar).

When they do get their own phones (years away! lol), they will have base model iPhones, we have apple family set up already for app/music sharing.

My DC - aged 6 and 8 - both have Kindle Fires. I don't allow them to use my phone unsupervised and when they do use it, it will be an app like Sky Kids, they can't just muck about on You Tube. I think they'll get phone for high school.

I think that mobile phones are a brilliant thing for children of all ages )within reason) to carry, however these should be for contacting parents or school when necessary, smart phones is another thing altogether. I think this is a big responsibility and should not be taken lightly but it is for the parents to decide

I just don't agree with it at all. We didn't need it neither do they.

My older children 11,14 and 18 2 in secondary school didn't get smart phones until yr 5 so 9or 10 but had tablets at around 5 or6 with supervision.and only an hour a day after school. Plus extra if they needed it for homework, but sat next to me. My 4 year old has a tablet with all protection and restrictions put in place, I watch over him for the 1 hour each day that he has it! It's so easy to use as a babysitter, but that's no good for them or the relationship, my older ones in secondary school, I take their phones from them at 9 pm and look through everything! As I have pass words etc!! If I find anything I am not happy about we talk about it and if necessary I remove their device for a week or so.

Personally I like my dc to have limited screen time, we are usually busy in the week so not much time for it but at weekends a couple of hours if we're at home I don't mind.

However I do notice a change in behaviour with playing some games & talk to dc about it. They usually agree. It's important to them to talk about tech & I try to be interested

I also see a change in behaviour with all children after time on YouTube or social media which is what makes me look! Especially at older kids posts! That's why i think it's important to limit time! Monitor and talk about what they are viewing or talking to peers about online

My children have got mobile phones when they started secondary. I think it's fairly important for them to be able to stay in touch. I've also helped them set up and use useful apps like Citymapper for public transport, and Google calendar for organising their schedules. I have parental controls on their internet and our home wifi, and I've educated them about safety online.

I haven't had too many concerns about social media - my dc don't really have the personalities for it, and they think it's uncool so they don't tend to use it (and I don't either).

I can understand older school children having a mobile phone, but some people give their children phones far too early.
I know a 5 year old girl who has the same mobile as me, which she uses to call, text, play games and go on the internet.
I think this age is far too young, it is hard enough to protect small children without putting such technology in their hands!!!!!

I think they should be used sparingly and supervised at a young age, a phone can subject children to so much. On the other hand they can be a great for keeping check of older children and where they are etc but I do worry about subjection to social media, cyber bullying etc.

I don't think it necessary for a child to have a mobile phone until they are old enough to start going out & about on their own. Tablet/computer is ok from school age, with suprvision

I prefer to instill a love of reading and imaginary play whilst I can

As long as you are checking the devices regularly and openly talk to your Children if they see anything that worries them I think they are fine.

hello,
I think once children reach a certain age it is fair for them to have mobile devices providing they have the cyber security and parental controls on. Yes the internet can be dangerous but it also holds a world of knowledge and is now the norm for children and young people.

My 9 year old step-daughter has a phone at her mums that she uses to play games on. Her dad and I have not given her one yet as I dont believe she needs one and is too immature for one. She has experienced bullying at school, I plan to keep cyber bullying away for as long as possible. This includes keeping her off social media for as long as possible. I dont have a tablet for her either as she prefers her xbox. I will get one for my son to play educational games but I will have security and passwords on it and it will be used when I am with him.

My children have a mobile phone. My eldest is 16 and she has a contract phone. My son aged 13 has a contract phone which we got him to start high school with. I felt it was safer that he always had credit to be able to ring us if needed. I must admit he hardly uses the actual phone part of it and usually just communicates on whats app and has recently been swapping numbers with his friends. I regularly check his phone to check all is well and he knows not to give his number out to just anyone or answer the phone unless he recognises the number/person calling.

My youngest has an old phone of mine. She has just turned 9. She doesnt use it out of the house, and it hasnt got any money on the pay as you go sim card. She plays games on it and she messages family and her little friend from accross the road but only when shes with me. She only uses the phone in the same room as me or her dad and shows us what shes doing.

If the world was how it used to be when i was young - so much safer than it is these days - then i would much prefer them not to have them, but they do actually need them. Its much safer knowing they can get hold of me or anyone else if they need to and i can get in touch with them too

its a good idea when they are out and can contact you. what I don't like is my childs secondary school allowing kids to use their phones at break and lunch

Absolutely fine if monitored properly.

I think it's wonderful that children can carry around with them a way that they can contact their parents if they need to, the problem is that mobile devices don't just restrict children to being able to phone, text or contact their parents via social media. I see photos online (via my 12 year old's page) of her friends. To be honest, they worry me because they are so blatantly asking for people to pay attention to them

My eldest dd is 11 and has a kindle, but she doesn’t use it much as it has a small screen. She uses an old iPad of ours and I’ve set her up with a user login on my Mac, this has parental controls on and screen time is restricted to half an hour on weekdays and 1 hour at weekends. She plays Minecraft but she is not allowed to friend anyone she doesn’t know. We’ve also talked about never clicking on random pop ups and I bet everything edited it’s installed.
Recently we’ve given her one of our old phones, fortunately she isn’t into social media like her peers.
My youngest is 5 and occasionally goes on the phone or iPad for CBeebies but that’s about it.

My son didn't have a mobile phone until he started high school; simply so we could keep in contact with each other. I know his passwords and I regularly check his messages and social media accounts. I also constantly educate him about the potential dangers