As many parents already realize, cell phones can make family life more complicated. Sure, we know that mobile devices offer many conveniences and certainly make communication easier. Parents feel assured that a cell phone will keep their children safe by allowing them to make a phone call whenever they need to. At the same time, cell phones make users accessible all the time, anytime, and not just through phone calls and texting. Data services can connect children to others over the Internet, where they can browse, shop and stay constantly logged in to the online social scene on Web sites such as Gaia and Facebook. As much as cell phones can help children, they certainly force them to face some new challenges, both technical and social, as well as can put them at risk to cyber criminals, predators and bullies.
Download the Cell Phone Guide
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The Cell Phone Guide (PDF, 711 kb): The Cell Phone Guide is written for parents and children to discuss together and provides them with the information they need to be smart cell phone users. Inside, you will find an introduction to cell phone technology and terminology, precautions on health, safety and security risks related to cell phones, and some discussion on the social and ethical aspects that will arise with families that adopt mobile technologies. A template for a family pledge is provided inside to help families take a good first step to being responsible users.
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