Preparing for their 11-year-old son’s transition to secondary school this September, Giovanna and Tom Fletcher made the decision to provide him with a phone.
Prior to giving him the device, the couple understood the importance of discussing the matter with each other and with their son.
“The capabilities of smartphones are vast – it requires careful consideration on how to manage usage and ensure safety,” expressed Giovanna, aged 40.
“I have always apprehended this aspect of parenting. The abundance of reports on children being exposed to inappropriate online content, coupled with concerns about mental well-being, underscores the necessity for parents to engage in conversations with their children, empowering them in the process.”
As the festive season saw numerous children receiving smartphones as gifts, families are now navigating the challenges and benefits associated with this technology.
Over the upcoming year, we are launching a campaign – The Family Chat – in collaboration with Tesco Mobile, urging families to discuss online devices regardless of their children’s developmental stage.
We will highlight available support and resources, including Tesco Mobile’s age-specific toolkits and assistance for parents and children.
“Being involved in this campaign is something I value – it allows me to identify areas where I can enhance our family dynamics,” shared Giovanna. “As parents, we often feel pressured to possess all the answers, but Tesco Mobile’s resources and online hub simplify the process significantly.”
Giovanna and Tom, a member of McFly and a children’s author, have two other sons aged seven and nine, equipped with tablets for messaging family members and engaging in online games and video calls. “It serves as a means of communication, especially when Tom and I are away for work, reassuring the kids that they can reach out to us anytime,” explained Giovanna.
“Upon our eldest son’s transition to high school, we wanted him to have the ability to contact us. He now uses one of our old smartphones, with restricted functionalities. Our goal was to make it practical for him, not just a device for entertainment. It lacks internet access and is linked to Tom’s phone, preventing any downloads without his permission.
“Maintaining an open dialogue with him – explaining the setup and its importance – is crucial. Children comprehend better when they understand the rationale behind the rules.”
Giovanna also recognizes that excessive screen time is not exclusive to children.
“Phones are not allowed in the bedroom, we refrain from using them at the dinner table, and strive to limit phone use when the kids are present.
“Granting a child a phone with internet access means granting them access to a broader world. For us, it’s about introducing these privileges gradually, in alignment with their readiness.”
Here’s how to help your kids stay safe online…
1. Set up a child account
When children receive a new device, creating a child account facilitates parental control management, screen time regulation, and app accessibility adjustments as they grow.
2. Use the correct age
Ensure that your child’s actual age is registered on their account to activate appropriate safety settings automatically.
3. Activate safety filters
Confirm that safety and search filters are