There is no hard and fast rule when it comes time for your child to independently use a mobile phone. It comes down to the child’s maturity and critical reasoning – you, the parents, will best placed to know when they are ready.
From starting the commute to and from school on public transport and going out on their own, you know there’s a need for a device that can connect you with family members quickly and easily.
With countless companies, articles, stories and testimonials sharing the dangers of the online world, the fear-mongering can be tiring. But while people get caught up in the fear, finding a device or apps to introduce and educate children that are safe to use and navigate devices in a healthy manner can be hard to find.
When it comes to swimming, you don’t just throw your child in the pool and hope for the best. You give them lessons and educate them on how to manage themselves. So why are devices any different?
G-mee is the tool that allows you to introduce and educate children to the connected world at a steady individual pace. With in-built parental controls and a company focused on creating technology that educates their own children in forming healthy habits with technology, G-mee will stay true to its core on filling that gap in the marketplace.
94% of parents report their child was already using the internet by the age of 4.
Technology and smart devices are now integrated into every aspect of our lives from a very young age. Setting healthy routines and establishing habits as they start a relationship with technology is something that will allow our next generation to thrive, gaining the benefits from technology without the negative impact on their future.
Life and technology will always have a relationship and approaching the beginning of this relationship as a learning opportunity with your child is a great way to build safe use and habits. By focusing on the best parts of smart device technology and the benefits they bring, not only as a hit of dopamine, we might just be able to beat smartphone addiction.
The eSafety Commissioner has some great tips on how to stay safe:
- Help your child to set a strong passcode.
- Consider using parental controls to block or restrict specific apps, features and access to inappropriate content.
- Set boundaries around the times and areas in the house smartphones can be used.
- Install software updates as they are released.
- Disable location services when they are not needed.
- Secure your home network; it’s wise to change your wi-fi password regularly, especially if you’re still using the default password.
- Use secure public wi-fi hotspots if you’re out and about.
- Only pair via Bluetooth with another device you are aware of and can control.
- Help make your child’s accounts private on social networking apps to avoid unwanted contact.
- Remain engaged in your child’s online lives and let them know you’ll be there to support them if something goes wrong online.
