Many parents buy mobile phones for their children for safety reasons. Knowing that your child can be contacted at any time puts parents at ease. However, mobile phones can expose children to some risks.

Mobile phones can access the internet and thus expose children to inappropriate content. Educating children to use mobile phones safely is necessary as most children lack the prudence to understand the dangers that can come from using mobile phones.

What you can do to help children be safe:

• Understand the mobile phone options before you buy it. Do not sign up for services you don't want your child to have access to. Ask how inappropriate services can be blocked.
• Make sure that the mobile phone you buy is suitable for the age and experience of your child.
• Familiarize yourself with the mobile technology that your child uses or that is introduced to them by friends.
• Use PIN or codes for the mobile phone to protect it from unauthorized use. Keep save PIN numbers or secret codes.
• Strangers can access information on your mobile phone via Bluetooth technology. Set your mobile phone under the option "Unreachable".
• Involve children in choosing Internet options, services, and rate plans so they share the responsibility and costs of their online activities.