Cellphones are a staple in childrens’ lives. So, how can we keep children safe from online dangers?

It’s the world we live in – almost everyone has a mobile device, children included. After all, it’s a necessity, right? We use our cellphones to connect with others, pay accounts, browse social media, and manage our daily lives. Let’s understand how we can keep our children safe and ensure they use cellphones responsibly.

Quick Read:

  • Make it a point to know who your child is interacting with online.
  • Teach children to never reveal personal information to strangers online. If in doubt, they should always ask you for advice.
  • Use this opportunity to show children how to save money and budget for airtime and data costs.

The upsides and downsides of cellphones

The practical benefit of having mobile phone access is that your child can quickly contact you in case of an emergency. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can usually rest a little easier if your child has a phone and is away from home, at school, or with friends.

On the flipside, however, cellphones just as easily give your children access to the Internet, social media and messaging apps. These can be wonderful platforms for learning and social connection, but they can also expose children to cyberbullying, online predators and inappropriate or adult content.

Excessive screen time is linked to sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity among African children, similar to global trends.
– Study by the University of Ibadan (2023)

Do you know who your child is talking to online?

The anonymity of the digital world is one of the biggest risks for children. People are not always who they claim to be, and children often don’t have the experience to recognise manipulation, peer pressure, or subtle forms of coercion. Keep a close, ongoing view of your child’s screen habits: how much time they spend online, which platforms they use, who they interact with, and what they share publicly or privately.

Regular check-ins and open conversations make it easier for your child to come to you if something feels off, rather than trying to handle it alone.

Children cellphone safety

Keeping children safe online

  • Cyberbullying is a serious issue, and it can occur through text messages, social media, or other digital platforms. Make sure your child knows how to report any bullying and encourage them to come to you if they feel uncomfortable or threatened online. There are countless cases where children, globally, have been victims of cyberbullying and it has led to fatal consequences.
  • Keep an eye on the apps and websites your child uses. Many services offer parental controls and guides to help you manage their online presence. You may also want to add their contacts to your phone to keep track of their online activities.
  • Check out features that can help keep your child safe, like location tracking and emergency alerts. That said, your child doesn’t need the most sophisticated phone on the market, especially if they’re on the younger side. Shop around for phones that are designed for younger children with only the essential functions and good safety features.
  • Having a cellphone is a big responsibility, so help your child understand how to protect their phone. Teach them not to leave their phone lying around at school or elsewhere.
  • Set clear, non-negotiable boundaries together so expectations are understood from the start. Children need concrete guidance: no sharing of personal details like their full name, school, location, or photos that reveal where they are. Make it explicit that they should never respond to unknown contacts, click on suspicious links, or send images to anyone they don’t know in real life. Just as important, explain the “why” behind these rules. When children understand the risks, they’re more likely to follow the rules.
Help at hand

If your child’s phone uses a prepaid option, this is a prime opportunity to teach them about saving by involving them in managing the costs. For example, you might have them contribute a slice of their allowance for phone airtime or data. It’s a simple gateway to helping them learn about budgeting and the value of money.

Part of being responsible for their cellphone includes being responsible about screen time. The cellphone should be a nice-to-have, not something they become addicted to.

Don’t forget to write down the phone’s serial number and other important details in case the cellphone gets lost or stolen. And this is a non-negotiable: be absolutely strict in ensuring your child never gives out their personal information (name, address, family details) to anyone online.

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