It’s a worrying time when your child gets their first mobile phone.  We decided they wouldn’t have mobile phones before they turned nine.  Then it was only decided they could have them because they had started to play out with friends.  I wanted the reassurance I could get hold of them or they could contact me if there were any problems.  If it hasn’t been for that I probably would have left it another year or two.  But if you are worried this Parentshield will help.  Head to the bottom of this article to find out how you enter.

Set Ground Rules

We set ground rules in place but even those cannot be guaranteed to be followed.  Children listen with half an ear or don’t really understand the risks involved.  He has a small group of friends numbers to arrange playing out, my own and his dad.  I didn’t want him using his mobile phone for anything but phone calls and texts.  He was aware of this, but a friend showed him how to turn on mobile Internet.  With that he went on YouTube unsupervised something I don’t really want.  I also want to make sure he only answers calls and texts from people he knows.

I have written about being mobile safe at secondary school before and that article might be a useful read for anyone considering getting a phone when their children goes to a different school in September.  As much as we try and delay our children getting a mobile there will be a time they finally end up with one, so it is important to do your research.

We only ever buy cheap phones too.  As I worry about my children being a target for theft or losing an expensive phone.  I just wanted the basics covered so we could keep in touch.

Introducing ParentShield from Engine Mobile

ParentShield is a mobile telephone service to help children between 5 and 13 years.

For me the biggest benefit of Parentshield is being able to remotely block internet access.  This would make me feel much happier considering he has now learnt to access the Internet.  I worry that his friends will introduce him to social media and that he will see inappropriate things online.  Children are growing up too quickly because parents don’t have adequate controls in place.  Even when you think you are covered there is a curve ball like another child showing them what to do.  By locking down the phone you know that it won’t happen anymore.

You can also record calls and texts and see them on your online account, it is a very sophisticated mobile network.  Systems like this make it a lot harder for cyberbullying or grooming to take place and are the best way to safeguard your child.

The time restraints stop your children sneaking on their mobile phone when you think they are safely tucked up in bed sleeping.

Another massive benefit is your child can ALWAYS ring home even when they are out of credit with ParentShield.  This I am very impressed with.  My son hadn’t realised that going on mobile internet used up his phone credit and he would not have been able to ring me in an emergency.  Luckily with ParentShield everything is covered.

WIN

One Missing Sleep reader WILL win a twelve-month contract to ParentShield (worth £180) to enter just follow this LINK.

The competition is open to UK entrants only and closes on the 30^th of March.