Kids & Mobile Technology: Parental Controls Required

 Young people are seemingly born with a knowledge of how to text via cell phone and navigate the internet. They are comfortable using new technology and are fascinated by the information and imagery that can be obtained at their finger tops.  In many cases, youngsters are more comfortable with these tools, offering a real challenge for parents to provide guidance.

In today’s modern society, our world revolves around a mobile device, and that age group is becoming younger and younger.  A report by C&R Research, found some staggering statistics:

• 22 percent of children ages 6-9 own a cell phone
• 60 percent of tweens (ages 10-14) own a cell phone
• 84 percent of teens (ages 15-18) own a cell phone
• The report found that by 2011, 54 percent of 8 to12 year olds will have cell phones.

This month, the Federal Trade Commission released a report that indicated that although producers of violent music, movies, and video games have made some strides in blocking the access of these items to children, more needs to be done.

The report found that the music industry has blocked actions to implement rules restricting the marketing of explicit-content labeled music to children.  Although music retailers and online sites were found to be consistent in displaying a parental advisory label, retailers only prevented 30% of children from buying explicit-content music.    Movie theaters fared somewhat better, with a 72% turnaway rate for underage kids  to R-Rated movies.   However, retailers failed to enforce rules against underage purchase of R-rated and unrated DVDs.

And now the bright side.   The FTC found a the highest degree of compliance with the video game industry’s marketing and advertising rules, blocking  the sale of M-rated games to children, with an average denial rate of 80 percent.    Granted this does not preclude Mom, Dad or a favorite uncle from purchasing the content, but it does allow an extra layer of protection against kids.

The FTC offerered a side of caution against kids and mobile technology.   The growth of applications for cell phones, combined with the lack of ratings system for mobile apps is a cause for concern.   A search of “free mobile games” on Google brings up countless responses on free downloads, with available titles ranging from the harmless to the adult.   Although many sites have family filters in place, smart kids can easily turn this off without mom or dad’s knowledge.

So, what is a parent to do?

Although filters, V-Chips and parental controls help, they may not be the answer, as most kids will find a way to bypass such tools.  As many games are free, and riddled with advertisements, parents can also make their opposition of violent games clear by online protest, or with their pocketbooks by not spending money on advertised products.    Believe it or not, research still shows that kids really do pay attention to what their parents say.  It’s certainly not easy, but in-person communication with your kids about may still be the best form of ”social media” after all.