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Smartphone for kids: what parents should look for

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Safety tips for children on smartphones

More and more children always want to have their own smartphone earlier. But can that work out? We have tips for more security in smartphone usage for parents and children.

29 percent of 7 to 12-year-olds and even 78 percent of children between 13 and 17 have a smartphone.

According to Deals.com's Ipsos survey, parents support it for very simple, understandable reasons: 82 percent of parents allow their child a smartphone, so they can always reach it in an emergency. 75 percent state that at the same time it is important for them to reach their child at all times

But how can I teach my child to pay attention to safety and low costs when using a smartphone?

The mobile service provider mobilcom-debitel gives tips for parents who are considering buying a smartphone for their child :

First mobile phone, then smartphone

If your child is still very young (primary school age, for example) and your main concern is to reach your child better, give him a cell phone first. So a mobile phone without Internet access. When you find that your child is responsibly handling the phone, you can buy a smartphone.

Prepaid or term contract?

If your child's smartphone has a prepaid contract, it has the advantage of having full cost control.

But even a term contract has advantages: For example, your child - just because it has talked with friends about it - probably already have a clear idea of ​​which smartphone it wants to have. But the greatest, most beautiful and latest model can be quite expensive. When concluding a term contract, there are good, modern smartphones often for just one euro.

In addition, your child can always call you with a term contract - not only when it has credit.

Most recently, flatrates are usually included in the term contracts (telephony, SMS, and / or surf flat), so that it may even be cheaper to choose a contract.

Special smartphone contracts for children

Many mobile service providers offer special contracts or additional options for children. So you can book security and cost barriers to the contract. Please ask your provider for advice.

Practical tips if your child has a smartphone:

Time is money: Explain to your child that calls, SMS and internet visits (depending on the tariff) cost money.

At some point it's over: Make sure your child has a fixed time when their mobile phone turns on and off.

Emergency Plan: Agree in advance on what will happen if the smartphone is stolen or damaged.

Caution is better than forbearance: talk to your child calmly - not between the front door - about the sensible use of the mobile Internet. You may even surf together with your child at the beginning and show him good and safe sites.

Make it absolutely clear to your child that photos and personal data (address, etc.) sent by mobile phone or placed on social networks can be made available to anyone.

(See also: Sexting: The Dangerous Internet Trend
or also: Shitstorm - the evil lust of mobbing in the net and bullying in school: how do I help my child? )

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