Internet Safety On Your Smartphone

Having access to the Internet has never been so easy, thanks to the connectivity of smartphones. Whether you borrow a parent’s smartphone or you’re lucky enough to have one of your own, it’s important to know how to use a smartphone wisely and safely. A smartphone may seem like a simple little device, but don’t let its size fool you. When you hold this mobile device in your hand, you have all of the power of a desktop or laptop computer at your fingertips.

You can use a smartphone for calls, texts, instant messaging on social media platforms, playing games, watching movies and videos, and cruising the Internet. Smartphones give you access to virtually anything on the Internet anywhere you might happen to be, at any time of the day or night. Setting up a smartphone correctly is the first line of defense to keep your device and your information safe. Set a strong password for the smartphone, and don’t share it with anyone but your parents. Set up your contacts in the phone, including emergency contacts that you might need in an emergency. You can also set up your phone for remote erasing in case you ever lose it or have it stolen. Check the settings for geo-tagging and turn this function off. This means that your phone won’t automatically show its location, an important safety measure. Installing security software on a smartphone is also helpful, because this can give you protection from harmful malware and viruses.

As you use your smartphone, keep several guidelines in mind for safety. Don’t reply to calls or messages from people you don’t know personally. Check with your parents before you install new apps and games to make sure they’re suitable and safe. Follow rules for smartphone usage when you’re at school and other organized events. Your parents will likely have rules in place for how and when you use your smartphone too. Always follow these rules. Your parents might have put them in place so you don’t reach the limits of the service contract and cause additional charges.

If you use your smartphone to access social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, follow safety guidelines. Set strong passwords to your social media accounts, and keep your smartphone locked when you’re not using it. Don’t click links randomly, because this could lead to dangerous websites. Be careful about the content you share on social media. Don’t over-share personal details, never give out personal or banking information, and don’t post offensive photos or other content. Keep your interactions with others respectful. If you ever observe cyberbullying or attacks on others, report this activity to an adult. Cyberbullying might happen on a social media platform, and it can also happen in chat rooms or via text messages or emails.

General Internet Safety