Mobile Safety Information That May Surprise You

We’ve talked about some of the top mobile and online safety concerns of parents and explored how to talk with kids about mobile and online safety. In this post, we’ll take a look at some interesting stats and information concerning kids and the use of mobile phones. You may find yourself surprised by some of the information!

AT&T conducted a survey of 1,000 parents and 500 children between the ages of 8–17. Through that survey, they learned about mobile phone use for children and how parents and children communicate regarding mobile safety. Here are a few of the findings I found interesting:

• 31% of children ages 8-11 already have a cell phone
• The average age kids receive their first mobile phone is 12
• 90% of kids think it’s OK for parents to set rules on mobile phone use
• 38% of kids say their parents have not talked to them about mobile safety
• 53% of kids report that they have ridden with someone who was texting and driving

I was surprised to learn that so many children already have a cell phone at such young ages. But, at the same time, with safety being a top concern for parents (myself included), I can understand why parents of young children would provide them with a phone. Times are not how they used to be and I would rather provide my children with a way to get in touch with me in case of emergency than trust someone will be around to help them at the moment. I imagine many parents feel the same way.

Of course, even more surprising was that so many kids have been in a car where the driver was texting and driving. I admit that I’ve been guilty of this myself, but I normally do so at a red light, not while actively driving. However, I think I’m going to avoid even that from now on because I need to set a better example for my kids.

Were you surprised by any of the survey result findings?

Disclosure: This post is the final part of a compensated series for the AT&T Mobile Safety program. Check out top mobile and online safety concerns of parents and talking about mobile and online safety with kids for more and the AT&T Mobile Safety page too!

Photo source: Angelo DeSantis/Flickr