Giovanna and Tom Fletcher made the decision to get their 11-year-old son a phone as he prepares for secondary school. Aware of the potential risks, they emphasized the importance of communication and safety measures.
The couple highlighted the need for parents to engage in conversations with their children about online safety, given the prevalence of inappropriate content and concerns about mental health. Thousands of children received smartphones for Christmas, prompting families to navigate the challenges and benefits associated with digital devices.
As part of a campaign called The Family Chat with Tesco Mobile, families are encouraged to discuss online device usage, regardless of their children’s ages. The campaign promotes Tesco Mobile’s age-specific toolkits and support resources for parents and children.
Giovanna expressed appreciation for the campaign, recognizing the value of ongoing education and support in navigating digital challenges as a family. With their younger sons having tablets for communication and entertainment, the Fletchers emphasized the importance of setting restrictions and maintaining open dialogue about technology use.
They stressed the significance of gradually introducing children to internet access and implementing safeguards to ensure responsible usage. Offering tips for online safety, such as setting up child accounts and using parental controls, the Fletchers emphasized the need for ongoing conversations about smartphone use and digital well-being.
Dr. Rebecca Whittington, Reach’s online safety editor, underscored the importance of prioritizing safe phone setups to protect children from online harm amid the excitement of using new devices.
