Mobile phone safety tips

Mobile phones are a key part of our daily lives, and they also hold sensitive information, from personal photos, messages, banking details and more.

Securing your child’s mobile phone helps protect you from scams, harassment, and other dangers. Here are some things you and your autistic child you know should keep in mind when using a mobile phone.

Everyday mobile phone security

Lock and secure your phone

Make sure your child’s phone can be locked. Use strong passphrases, PINs, or biometric options such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition technologies. Avoid PINs or patterns that are easy to guess, such as their birthday or simple sequences. Set their phone to auto-lock after a short period of inactivity, preferably less than five minutes.

Encrypt your data

Encryption is a powerful tool in protecting the data stored on a mobile phone. It ensures that even if someone accesses your phone, the information remains unreadable without the correct encryption key. 

Modern smartphones, including those running the latest versions of iOS and Android, offer encryption options typically enabled by default. Still, it’s a good idea to check that this feature is actually enabled on their device. Installing credible software that provides additional protection, such as VPN services, is another security measure that can benefit some families.

Enable remote tracking and erasing features

Your mobile phone should have built-in features like Apple's Find My iPhone or Google's Find My Device enabled. These tools help locate the phone if it gets lost and allow you to remotely erase data if it’s unlikely you’ll get it back, preventing data and identity theft.

Regularly back up your phone

Regular backups are essential, as you can restore a phone's data if it's lost, stolen, or damaged. Regular backups should be stored in multiple locations (e.g., cloud services or hard drives). Children and teenagers should also learn how to back up files on devices they use for school, such as creating a Google Drive or Dropbox account to make copies of their schoolwork, homework, study notes and assignments.

Keep your software up-to-date

Software updates often contain critical security patches that protect their phone from new cyber threats. Turn on automatic updates to protect a phone’s operating system and apps. Remember that outdated systems can put your phone and personal information at risk of being compromised.

Download secure and reputable apps

Only install apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store or the App Store. Be wary of what information apps ask to have access to, and delete apps that constantly ask for your personal information, particularly if it’s not needed by the app. Regularly review and adjust app permissions from the phone's settings.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks, although convenient, are often not secure. Remind children to avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or personal messaging. Consider installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt the connection on their device. They could also use cellular data; however, this can be expensive.

Watch out for phishing and scams

Stay alert to common scams and phishing attempts (suspicious emails, SMS, or phone calls attempting to steal personal information). Discussing what a scam or phishing attempt looks like with your child can help them to stay vigilant. Encourage your child to ask for permission before purchasing or sending money or personal information on their phone. 

Protect your phone in public spaces

Remind your child to always keep their phone with them or in a safe place in public. Encourage your child to be mindful of using their phone in crowded areas or leaving their phone on a desk or table, where it could easily be snatched. Additionally, they should avoid plugging their phone into public charging stations or using USB devices from people they don’t know, as they could be used to deliver malware.

Safely dispose of your device

Before selling or disposing of a phone, ensure all personal data is erased by performing a factory reset. This prevents the next user from accessing your or your child’s private information.

Parental controls

Parents and carers may wish to use parental controls to help keep their children safe online:

Built-in parental controls on mobile devices

• Apple products: From iOS 12, Apple has a range of parental controls, allowing parents and carers to help their family stay safe online. These controls can restrict app downloads and online purchases and filter out inappropriate content. They can also prevent users from sharing certain information (e.g., photos, locations) or interacting with certain people, helping prevent scams, data breaches or online abuse. 
• Android products: Unlike Apple, Android doesn’t currently offer general built-in parental controls across its devices. However, Google does have its Family Link app, which allows parents and carers to perform the same functions as Apple’s built-in parental controls, as well as setting limits on screen time if this helps to prevent excessive phone use. 

Third-party software

Many parents and carers use commercial third-party parental controls for additional control and convenience. These apps offer more detailed customisation and monitoring features than the built-in system mentioned above. Third-party controls can be applied to individual devices or all devices connected to a particular Wi-Fi network (e.g., home Wi-Fi), allowing for more specific monitoring. Often, these controls operate on a subscription basis, with prices varying by the number of devices they cover, which can be more cost-effective for families.

For families new to parental controls, searching terms like ‘internet filters’ or ‘family filters’ can provide a list of reputable options. Some services offer free trials, which can be a good starting point to determine whether a service is right for you. 

Mobile service providers

Many mobile service providers offer parental controls as part of their mobile phone plans. These tools can be handy for managing how someone uses mobile data and interacts with mobile services. These services are commonly used to block access to inappropriate content, set times when the internet can and cannot be used and monitor online behaviour, such as the types of apps accessed on a mobile device.

Instagram Teen Accounts

Instagram has introduced Teen Accounts, designed for users aged 13-17. These accounts have additional default privacy and safety settings when a user signs up. Parents and carers can supervise these settings for younger teens, and while they can monitor who their teen is interacting with, they cannot view message content. More details about Teen Accounts are available here.

Risks for children and young people using mobile phones

Although mobile phones can be fun and exciting for children and teenagers, they can also pose risks to their safety and wellbeing. It’s important that any child or teenager with a mobile phone has an age-appropriate understanding of the risks involved with using one and what to do if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. 

Below are some situations parents and carers should discuss with their children to give them the awareness and confidence to use their mobile phones safely and speak up if they need help:

Unwanted messages

Children and young people might receive messages from people they don’t know when using a mobile phone. These messages can sometimes be harmless, but it’s important to remember that not everyone online has the best intentions. 

Many social media platforms and messaging services allow users to block messages from people they are not connected with. Check any accounts or apps your child uses with messaging features to see if this is an option for you.

Receiving unsolicited images and videos that are sexually explicit is classed as sexual harassment. Parents and carers should encourage children and young people to tell a trusted adult if they receive such messages so appropriate action can be taken quickly. 

Sexting

Sexting, a blend of the words "sex" and "texting," involves the sharing of sexual, explicit, or intimate photos or videos via mobile phones or online platforms. In Australia, the legal implications of sexting are very serious, particularly when minors are involved. 

Australian law classifies anyone under the age of 18 as a child or young person, and it is illegal to send, receive, or possess explicit images of minors, regardless of whether the child or young person sent the images of themselves consensually. Engaging in sexting can lead to fines and potential registration as a sex offender. This has long-lasting impacts on where a person can live, work and travel.

Image-based abuse and revenge porn

Image-based abuse, or revenge porn, involves sharing intimate images or videos of someone without their consent, often to embarrass, threaten, or blackmail them. This form of abuse can have devastating effects on the victim's life, leading to emotional distress, damage to their reputation, and, in some cases, physical harm.

It is critical for victims not to comply with any demands if they are being blackmailed and to stop communicating with the perpetrator. Instead, they should report the incident to the relevant social media platforms and local authorities and seek guidance on further protective measures.

Support for online abuse

Victims of online sexual abuse and their families have a range of legal and support options. If your child or young person receives an unsolicited message that is sexually explicit, the following actions should be taken:

1. Do not engage: Avoid responding to unsolicited messages. Engagement can encourage further contact.
2. Report and block: Use social media platforms' reporting features to block the sender and prevent further communication.
3. Seek support: If the situation escalates or becomes threatening, contact the police.

For those under the age of 18, tools like takeitdown.ncmec.org can help prevent explicit images from being shared on major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Australia also has laws around revenge porn, helping victims take legal action to have the content removed and to hold perpetrators accountable.

Various organisations offer support and advice to victims of image-based abuse or online sexual abuse. Engaging with these resources can provide emotional support and practical steps to manage the situation.

Preventing online abuse

The best way to address the risks of using a mobile phone is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Although receiving unwanted messages isn’t something that can always be controlled, how a child responds to these messages and engages with other people online can be.

When it comes to children sharing explicit content online, parents and carers should have an open discussion with their children about its risks and impacts. This discussion should emphasise the following: 

Loss of control over shared content

Once intimate or explicit content is shared, the original sender loses control over where it is shared and who can see it. This can lead to widespread sharing without their consent, impacting a child’s personal reputation and privacy. Children must understand that in the digital world, once something is shared, it is nearly impossible to retract or completely delete it from the internet.

Emotional and psychological impact

The sharing of intimate content can lead to emotional distress, particularly if the content is shared with other people without the original sender’s consent. Victims often experience significant stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, public embarrassment or humiliation.

Legal and criminal consequences

For minors, any form of involvement with sexting can lead to criminal charges. The legal system may impose penalties that range from fines to more severe consequences like their inclusion on the sex offender registry, which can have lifelong impacts on their professional and personal life.

Children should always be cautious about sharing personal information and intimate content online to prevent unwanted or unsafe interactions. They should also have strong privacy settings on social media and understand the terms of service of the platforms they use. 

Many schools and community groups have implemented programs around online abuse into their curriculums. It's important to investigate whether this kind of education is offered at your child’s school, but it’s also crucial for parents and carers to facilitate these discussions.