A checklist of important questions to ask your Mobile Provider when purchasing a mobile phone so that you can ensure you have the tools and support to help protect children and make sure they get the most out of using their mobile phone safely.

You can now access the Internet on most mobile phones and whilst this access brings a world of incredible opportunities in terms of communication, interaction and entertainment, there are certain potential risks to children posed via the Internet. These risks include accessing adult content, such as pornography and “stranger danger” contact in chat services.

This is a part of a guide written by Australian Communications and Media Authority in collaboration with the Children’s Internet charity, Childnet International.

1. Ask for information and advice about the phone and the services that are available on it, so that you can ensure your children know how to use it safely.

Your mobile provider is committed to providing you with information and advice on the safe use of their service.  Be sure to check that they are keeping you informed by asking them for safety information and by looking for information in retail outlets and on their website.

2. Do you offer both pre-paid and post-paid plans? How do they compare? What services do you offer to help manage spending on the phone?

Prepaid mobile services are great for keeping track of your spending by limiting the amount of available credit. Note that emergency calls can be made even if there is no credit on the phone.

3. If I choose a fixed term contract, what is the total cost of the plan over the contract period?

Fixed term contracts may include a payment for the mobile handset as well as the cost of calls. This may have implications if you choose to cancel your contract.

4. Can you bar the phone from making calls to international numbers?

Many mobile services provide access to high cost international calls and premium rate services. Children may not realize the cost of using these services, or may access them without your knowledge or permission.

5. What should I do if I have a question or a complaint about my child’s mobile phone?

If you have a question or complaint about any mobile phone service, contact your mobile operator in the first instance.

6. Does the phone have access to the Internet? If so, is it possible to disable Internet access?

The Internet can provide a wealth of information, but it can also expose your child to inappropriate content (for example adults only sites). Unlike the Internet in your home, filters to help block inappropriate content are not readily available for mobile handsets.

7. Can this phone access services where users can anonymously chat to each other? What safety measures do you have in place for users of mobile chat services?

Chat services can be accessed on mobile phones using SMS and WAP (an Internet-like service that is customized for mobile phones) enabling users to chat anonymously with other users. Types of services include general chat, games (which allow you to chat to other gamers) and dating.

Providers of mobile chat services must implement safety measures that minimise the risk of the service being used to facilitate illegal contact between adults and children. Measures that may enhance the safety of users include monitoring the chat, filtering content to remove possible contact information and placing services behind access controls to restrict access to people who are not at least 18 years of age.

8. Does the phone allow access to content that is not suitable for children? Is this content automatically blocked on this phone?

Some mobile phone providers provide access to content that is not suitable for children. Before this content can be provided, customers must request access and provide their provider with proof that they are 18 years or older.

Proving your age is a one-off action, so if a child inherits a phone, you should confirm with your provider that access to content that is not suitable for children has not been enabled.

9. What can I do if I receiving abusive calls or messages? Can I block calls from a particular person?

Children may send or receive nuisance or threatening calls or text messages from other children. This behaviour can be part of bullying or intimidation – while bullying is not in itself new, the use of mobile phones may make it harder to deal with. Your mobile phone provider should have procedures and tips to help deal with nuisance and malicious calls.

Source:

www.acma.gov.au

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