AT&T Mobile Safety

Last week I attended a webinar sponsored by AT&T regarding Mobile Safety. There were three webinars all together based on your child’s age. I choose the 12-14 age group since my son just turned 12. After attending the webinar I felt kinda bad. I never really talked to my son about all things I need to. Bullying, sexting and privacy. Thankfully I don’t need to talk too much about texting while driving yet. Hunter is several years away from this.

AT&T has some great tips on Mobile Safety. They want to provide tips and tools to help families stay connected and safe. Check out the website http://www.att.com/familysafety for more information.

Did you know that the average age a child gets a phone is 12? The average age to get a smart phone is 13.8. Really? I guess if Hunter can have a smart phone and no data, but I’m not ready to pay a data plan for my son. He has an iPod and can do lots of stuff on there.

So what do parents worry about the most? Texting and driving. While my son has a way to go to drive, he could be in the car of someone who is texting while driving. That’s a scary thought for sure. He’s getting to be that age where his friends or friend’s siblings will be driving.

Another big concern is bullying. One in five children have received a mean text. I just don’t get bullying, but I really need to talk to my son about this.

And let’s not forget sexting or sending explicit pictures via phone. Almost half kids surveyed said they received a picture or text their parents would not like because it was too sexual.

I listened to other moms who routinely check their child’d phone. While I have not done this in a while, I think I will start to be more consistent. 90% f children say ot’s okay that their parents check their phones.

Right now my son’s only use for his phone is for us to reach him when he’s out and about. I know this will change and we will change rules and limitations as well.

I really learned a lot and know I need to re-access the above topics with my son.

I will be hosting a get together with other moms and discussing Mobile Safety and who knows, maybe I’ll lern some new tips!

If you get a chance –  AT&T Mobile Safety Twitter party on November 9th at 2p ET! The hashtag is #ATTMobileSafety, and here is the Twtvite for more information: http://twtvite.com/attmobilesafety

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When did you get your child a cell phone? Is it a smart phone?

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

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