Wireless today is a fast-paced and constantly evolving technology. But for all of the good it can provide, mobile communication also has risks if consumers, particularly children, don’t learn how to use wireless devices and features both safely and responsibly. As parents, whether at home or in the workplace, and as kids, whether at home or at school or out with friends, we all have to take our wireless service seriously. Educators and policymakers in our local communities also play a critical role in responsible use.
In recent MyWireless.org annual national polling, we found that 53% of parental wireless users were aware that wireless providers now offer controls to limit a child’s cellphone use, wireless Internet access, texting, IM’ing and downloading. Parental controls are just one of many important tools and resources available to us to make responsible wireless use a priority.
Where Can I Find Help?
Partners of MyWireless.org® offer many educational programs such as Growing Wireless that urge us all to take the time to be aware, to be engaged, and to become a better “Wireless Citizen” in general.
- These programs help educate students about the main issues they face when using wireless devices and about responsible behaviors when using a cellphone.
- They provide resources that encourage educators and families to engage with young people about proper cellphone etiquette and safety behaviors.
- And lastly, they shape the way that policymakers think and help them make decisions about encouraging using wireless correctly.
Innovative wireless providers, device manufacturers, app developers and creative companies across the wireless landscape are all bringing new telecommunications technologies to consumers. And almost universally, they believe education leads to smart, safe, fair and responsible behavior. Together with kids, parents, educators, wireless providers and expert consumers just like you, we can all make better use of our wireless today.
Help The ‘Wireless Generation’ Learn Fair, Safe and Responsible Wireless Use
For Adults:
- Whether you are a parent, educator, friend or mentor, you should know the issues that children face when using wireless devices. Learn to identify the issues and to help young people be responsible mobile users.
For Parents:
- Access the parental controls, features and resources available to help your children to be responsible wireless users. Also learn tips for children’s wireless device usage, read an example of family wireless rules, and then print and sign a parent-child agreement on responsible cellphone use.
For Policymakers:
- Elected officials can find information about CTIA’s initiatives, current regulations and other programs that the wireless industry has developed or that it supports.