It’s estimated today that around 75 percent of all kids between the ages of 12 and 17 have a cell phone. Likewise, millions of kids in this age group regularly go online. With the holidays just around the corner, there will be many people who will purchase either a PC or a cell phone for their teen. One thing they can get to go along with that, is to give them the gift of safety.
As kids use computers to go online, or use the new cell phones that they may get as gifts, there will be increased safety risks. Many parents are faced with the facts that their kids, as they use these electronic devices, are being exposed to issues that may put them at risk. Some of these issues include:
Predators. There are many online predators and those who are looking for easy targets. They may try to “friend” unsuspecting kids, chat with them, or even send pictures and videos. Most kids may not even be aware that it is predators who are contacting them, because they may act as though they are just another kid from school.
- Privacy. Adults realize how important it is to protect their own identity and their personal information. But it is equally as important to protect their children from these same issues, especially when they are using electronic devices that can make them more vulnerable.
- Pushing envelopes. Many teens routinely engage in unsavory texting, known as “sexting.” Parents may not realize that their teens are engaging in this type of communication, which may involve texting, emails, and sending videos and photos. While parents may set rules, kids may test their limits.
These are common safety issues that parents face today as their kids increasingly become cell phone carriers and computer users. As people make the purchase of cell phones and computer gifts for their kids this season, they may want to include giving the gift safety. An easy way to do this is to monitor the computer or cell phone. This can be done through programs that have been designed to accomplish this goal.
Having a spy program on a teen’s computer or cell phone is an effective way to help keep them safer from predators. It will also help to protect their privacy and keep tabs on what they are doing online, and on their cell phone. The program works silently to collect information on everything that the teen is doing on the computer, or cell phone.
From keeping track of all text messages sent and received, to recording a call log even after the teen has deleted it, spy programs will compile all user information. Once it has been recorded, parents can log in from any computer to see exactly what their teen has been doing on the computer, as well as on their cell phone. Not only will that help ensure that the rules are being followed, but it provides an important safety net that will help parents feel more comfortable.