Looking ahead to their 11-year-old son’s upcoming start at secondary school in September, Giovanna and Tom Fletcher made the decision to provide him with his own phone.
However, before handing over the device, the couple recognized the importance of having conversations – both between themselves and with their son.
“Smartphones offer vast accessibility – it’s crucial to consider how to manage that effectively and ensure safety,” expressed Giovanna, aged 40.
“I’ve always been apprehensive about this aspect of parenting. There are numerous concerning statistics regarding children encountering inappropriate content and mental health issues. This underscores the necessity for parents to engage in open dialogues with their children, empowering them in the process.”
Following the Christmas season, countless children have received smartphones as gifts, leading families to navigate the challenges and benefits associated with this technology.
Over the upcoming year, we are partnering with Tesco Mobile on a campaign named The Family Chat, which encourages families to openly discuss online device usage, regardless of their children’s age.
We will highlight the available support and resources, including Tesco Mobile’s age-specific toolkits and assistance for parents and children.
“Being part of this campaign excites me because it allows me to identify areas where our family can benefit from additional knowledge,” shared Giovanna. “As parents, we often place immense pressure on ourselves to have all the answers, but Tesco Mobile’s resources and online hub simplify the process significantly.”
Giovanna and Tom, who is a frontman for McFly and a children’s author, have two other sons aged seven and nine. These children have tablets that enable them to message their parents, grandparents, and cousins. They engage in online games and video calls with each other. “It serves as a means of communication, especially when Tom and I are away for work. It’s crucial for the kids to know they can reach us whenever necessary,” Giovanna explained.
“When our oldest son transitioned to high school, we wanted him to have the means to contact us. We provided him with one of our old smartphones, but we configured settings to limit its functionalities. Our goal was for him to view it as a practical tool rather than a mere gadget. The device lacks internet access and is linked to Tom’s phone, meaning he cannot download anything without Tom’s authorization.
“We maintain an open dialogue with him, emphasizing the importance of understanding the implemented measures. Children grasp the concept better when they comprehend the reasoning behind it.”
Giovanna also acknowledged that excessive screen time is not exclusive to children.
“We do not allow phones in the bedroom, and during meal times, we refrain from using them. Whenever possible, we avoid using our phones when the kids are around.
“Granting a child a phone with internet access essentially provides them with access to the entire world. For us, it’s about gradual exposure, introducing new features as they mature and demonstrate readiness.”
Here’s how to help your kids stay safe online…
1. Create a child account
Upon receiving a new device, setting up a child account facilitates easier management of parental controls, screen time, and app access. These settings can be adjusted as the child grows.
2. Ensure accurate age details
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