Mobile phones are great for communicating with mum and dad and for helping you feel safe if you are not home, but there are some things you can learn to keep you safe.
Constable Kitty and I use a mobile phone everyday and we have put together some handy hints about mobile phones:
- Only give your phone number out to friends or family.
- Do not respond to offensive or inappropriate text (sms) messages – show the message to your mum and dad.
- If you call someone other than a friend, make sure you use caller ID blocking to hide your number.
- Never reply to a text (sms) message if you do not know who sent it.
- Keep your phone in a safe place, do not carry it around in public places.
- Learn about the safety features on your phone.
- Do not give out your friends' numbers to anyone without their permission.
- Do not send inappropriate pictures to your friends.
- Never use your mobile phone inappropriately at school – ask mum and dad to check your school’s policy about mobile phone usage.
Did you know that you can be bullied with a mobile phone?
What are some of the signs that you are being bullied?
- You receive abusive verbal messages.
- You receive threatening text messages.
- Your mobile phone is stolen.
- People are taking photos or video without permission.
Here are some simple rules to help you avoid being bullied:
- Do not give out your phone number to people you do not know.
- Ask people not to give your mobile number out to anyone.
- Never meet up with anyone you only know through text messaging.
- Do not reply to nasty or inappropriate messages – tell your mum or dad or even you school teacher.
- Do not reply to missed calls if you do not recognise the number.
- Learn how to use caller ID blocking to hide your number.
What can you do if you are being bullied?
- Do not get angry. Bullies are only trying to get a reaction from you.
- Switch off your phone.
- Save the messages including the time and date they were sent.
- Report it to your school teacher or parents.
- Talk to other kids who may have also experienced bullying.
- Contact police.
It is no fun being the victim of bullying, and you can feel very alone. If you think one of your friends is being bullied, reassure them that they are not alone and everything will be ok. Or, if you yourself are being bullied, remember you are not alone and there is always someone there to help you.
It is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person.
Bullying is not acceptable. Constable Kitty and I want you to know that IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT and you can do something about it.
