mobile & online safety
Mobile phones and the internet have made a huge difference to our lives. But, like everything, they can be used for good or bad purposes. It all depends on what you do with them.
From online chat to ‘user-generated’ web sites, nuisance text messages to unwanted spam, there are many areas which pose problems or threats.
Of course, at the centre of everything is the Internet. It has become so vast and so diverse, it’s almost a virtual alternative to the real world. And, like the real world, it’s a mix of the fun, the useful, the irritating and the potentially hazardous.
You wouldn’t go anywhere in the real world without being aware of the potential risks. And you shouldn’t when you’re online, either.
most popular articles
BlackBerry devices
If you have a BlackBerry handset you may not have parental controls installed meaning that there is open access to over 18 rated content. Many young people use BlackBerry phones so if you are a parent and are worried about them having access to inappropriate content click here.
mobile devices and theft
More and more people carry mobile phones and MP3 players. They’re small, easy to resell and have a relatively high value. Because of this, levels of theft remain quite high. Children and young people form the majority of both victims and perpetrators.
how can I block mobile content?
Orange offers a service called ‘Safeguard’. It’s a filtering system for managing internet content. It works by preventing anyone under 18 from accessing adult content, while leaving them free to surf the rest of the internet.
staying secure online
There are lots of ways you can keep more secure when you’re online. Below are some suggestions for extra safety.
a guide for parents
This guide offers advice on how you and your children can safely get the best out of mobile phones and the internet.
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* requires Adobe acrobat, download it free from here
safety by subject
report abuse
If you discover behaviour or content that is abusive or illegal, click here to report it.
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safety
in the news
Can u speak teenager?
Today's teenagers live and breathe the wired world of the internet, using it for sex, rebellion and creativity. Read on (Telegraph)
Internet is becoming as lawless as the Wild West
The internet has become a playground for criminals in which highly specialised gangs steal money from bank accounts, according to a Parliamentary report published. Read on (Times Online)
Switch your mobile off before you drive off
It’s just as dangerous to use a mobile phone when you’re behind the wheel as it is to drink and drive, according to research. Read on (The Sun)