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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Children don't need mobile devices. End of.

Great resource and communication tool.

Though there needs to be supervision / parental control and boundaries of screen time.

It's a worry how dangerous it can be from cyber bullies and predators along with interfering with development of real life relationships and sleep patterns.

I don't mind my 7 year old daughter having a tablet now, but it isn't connected to the internet or mobile data so the content is controlled. I wouldn't allow internet access via tablet or phone without strict supervision until secondary school

I don't like it when people give kids smartphones to 'keep them occupied.' I'm mostly talking younger kids, here – kids who need proper social interaction most of the time, for their development. Or, indeed, to be allowed to get bored and discover how to make their own entertainment.

I think as long as there’s supervision and time limits then it’s ok for children to use mobile devices . Technology is the future and there’s no getting away from it , there are so many educational apps that they are beneficial

A cheap one they can use for calls and texts is fine. We didn't have this luxury when I was young we were just told to come home at a certain time, but nowadays ithink it's needed

My eldest is 17 so he is mainly on his phone watching You Tube and Netflix.
My other children are 8 and 9 and have their own tablets (both old ones of my husband's) - they only really use them downstairs with us and they both have anti virus on there. My son mainly plays the Lego apps and games that we have put on there and my daughter plays the same and a hair salon game too (Toca I think). My husband works in IT so he makes sure it's all safe and they are normally not on the internet.

It kinda scares me a little bit how dependent we all seem to be on our phones these days. But also, I love the internet- it's so convenient, especially when shopping without having to drag young kids into town, and for saving money.
DS is too young for a phone, and he doesn't have his own tablet/device yet- we've deliberately steered away from kids tech coz I want him to be able to play, develop his imagination and make his own amusement.

Kids seem to be getting phones younger and younger these days, I'm hoping we can hold off on that until DS starts High School and then I don't like the idea of his having a smart phone/social media/ unrestricted internet access.

I thiink a lot of this comes down to education, talking about boundaries and parents taking responsibility and monitoring what their DC get up to

They have a phone (for safety reasons) but not a smartphone. Easy decision now, but will be trickier when they get to teenage years! Its so difficult to know what to do...

I think Technology is fantastic! Especially if you know how to use it and could teach your children to be safe whilst using it. Tablets are amazing for your children to learn as there is so many different apps to use!

It saddens me to see my young nieces and nephews consistently on their mums phones - they are under 16mths!

I believe there is no place for the phone at the table and I think that children should be limited to the amount of screen/phone time they have for their ages.

I’m happy for children to have access to tablets fairly early on, ours were introduced to iPads in Reception year at school and use them for lessons and homework. Since hen our son has inherited my husbands old iPad and uses it for games like Minecraft or for watching video walkthroughs of games. He also loves taking pictures and videos of our dog. We have spoken to our son about internet safety and not to talk to strangers online, we also have parental controls set up so hopefully the worst of the internet is kept at bay. My husband works in internet security so is very strict about keeping antivirus software up to date.

My dc has been brought up with technology from a very young age, but it is always age suitable.
Computers and phones are as important to children as they are to adults, but children need adapted mobiles in my opinion. These are readily available to purchase and help keep children safe.
Talking about cyber bullying and abuse both at school and at home are also really important.
When your dc is using the computer don’t leave them alone for the whole time, pop back now and again to make certain all is well.

I think some tablet/ipad use is ok as long as its heavily monitored

I had thought I'd get DC a phone once they started high school, however DC1 started last year but still haven't got them one and they haven't asked. They do have a tablet at home, which they got at 10 - it has parental controls set, anti virus installed and is only to be used for limited time. We have discussed online safety in depth.

I agree with children having mobile phones as they are a great way to keep in touch with them when they are out and about with friends. I don't however think it is necessary for them to have an all singing and all dancing smart phone at a young age.

i do let my children play on mobiles however i do limit the amount of time spent on them throughout the week .

I think any devices you allow your children to use must have the appropriate security & parental controls in place. It's unrealistic to expect children to have a complete technology black out and tablets can be a useful educational tool.

as long as you show them how to use them safely they are a great communication device

Both my younger DC have tablets. I limit their time on them. DD has a dumb phone because she walks to school on her own.

Mine know how to get straight onto youtube using our phones, it's both clever, but scary at same time

My children got phones when they went to high school and we share tablets and laptops, we have all the safety and security switched on and have spoken openly to our daughter about what is acceptable and not on social media

I think it's important that they become familiar with electronic devices, but that their time on them should be strictly controlled. It all boils down to a balance of things in their life.

I think tech is fin e. In MODERATION. I saw a child the other day on his dad's shoulders, and instead of enjoying the view and his dad interacting with him, he was glued to a tablet. It makes me mad! There are key times that tech shouldn't be seen, such as mealtimes, when out with family (eg. A daytrip) and bedtimes.

After starting secondary school mine had a dumbphone