Parents mobile phone alert
Parents in the Black Country are being warned to monitor their child's use of mobile phones to stop them falling victim to strangers or bullying. Parents in the Black Country are being warned to monitor their child's use of mobile phones to stop them falling victim to strangers or bullying. Stourbridge MP, Lynda Waltho is highlighting the issue. The latest figures show that 50 per cent of 10-year-olds and 90 per cent of 12-year-olds have mobiles. Mrs Waltho said: "Many parents buy phones for their children because they want to be able to talk to their child if there is a problem." Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Parents in the Black Country are being warned to monitor their child's use of mobile phones to stop them falling victim to strangers or bullying.
Stourbridge MP, Lynda Waltho is highlighting the issue.
The latest figures show that 50 per cent of 10-year-olds and 90 per cent of 12-year-olds have mobiles.
Mrs Waltho said: "Many parents buy phones for their children because they want to be able to talk to their child if there is a problem.
"Parents worried about the safety of their children need to be aware of the capabilities of mobile phones.
"It's now possible to access the internet on most mobile phones. It is important that parents protect their children from risks such as accessing pornography, or dangerous contact with strangers in chat rooms."
Parents can ask their phone operator when buying a mobile if it has internet access. A filter can block content that is harmful to youngsters.
Charity Childnet International produces a checklist of questions parents should ask when buying a mobile for their child at www.childnet-int.org
