Phone Safety Tips
Phones offer both communication and safety benefits for parents and teens. However, like most technologies, they also pose some
safety risks to adolescents. In order to better protect your child, it’s important to know the steps you can take to make their
phone use safer.
Important safety guidelines
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Take the time to learn about what features are included on the phone. Are there pre-installed apps (such as Instagram® and
Facebook®) or games that you need to become more familiar with? Do you understand how the location-based services work and why
it may be a good idea to turn location services off for photos and some apps?
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Early on, set the expectation that you will monitor your teen’s use of their phone. It’s important that you follow through
on what you have told your teen, and as required, enforce consequences for any inappropriate behaviour/actions.
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Explore the possibility of blocking access to sites (such as those with sexually explicit content) by using the settings on the
device and/or parental control apps or by contacting the carrier/service provider.
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Set a time every evening at which all technology, including phones, are shut off in the house. Also, establish guidelines
around texting and gaming (who teens can do these things with and on what sites/apps).
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Discuss the importance of not responding to harassing, harmful or unsolicited calls or messages sent to them and to save these
types of messages. Teach your child how to block calls/messages from unwanted users and reinforce the importance of talking to a
safe adult if in receipt of these types of messages.
Teens will make mistakes. Re-establish the boundaries around responsible phone use and remind your child on a regular basis that
they can talk to you about any issues they may be facing.
Your child’s phone and the information it carries may be used in urgent safety-related situations (e.g., if a child goes missing).
It is important to know what information and tracking capabilities exist on the phone. As the contract owner of the phone, you are
entitled to access information regarding inbound/outbound calls, as well as the last known time of use of the device. Some devices
also allow you to load apps that can track the location of the phone. A code is required – make sure you know it!
The tips and other information provided herein is intended as general information only,
not as advice. Readers should assess all information in light of their own circumstances, the
age and maturity level of the child(ren) they wish to protect and any other relevant factors.