Parents worried over 3G mobiles

Three-quarters of parents are concerned that 3G mobile phones could put their children's safety at risk.

A poll by NOP found that 78 per cent of the 624 parents surveyed believed the new phones would make it "more or less impossible to supervise or support children who use the internet".

Phones available later this year will offer internet connectivity, built-in cameras and can carry video images, said children's charity NCH, which commissioned the survey.

NCH's internet advisor John Carr said in statement: "NCH believes this throws down a major challenge to the mobile phone operators. If they want these phones to take off in the youth market they are going to have to convince a lot of parents that they are safe, or can be made safe."

The survey also found that a third of parents believe their child knows more than they do about mobile technology, even though two-thirds said they are responsible for ensuring their children are properly educated about new mobile phone technology.

Only 14 per cent believed such education to be the responsibility of mobile phone companies, while 10 per cent said it was the government's responsibility.

NCH recommends that every child's handset is preinstalled with filtering or screening software set to a high level.

The charity added that until this is installed as default, internet access on mobile phones should be classified as an adult service, with under-18s automatically barred.

See also:

Mobile market continues sales boom

Shipments up 30 per cent as consumers snap up colour screens and built-in cameras  06 May 2004

Keeping your kids safe online

The internet is a great learning and leisure tool for kids, but it's not always the safest place. We look at some of the products that can help to protect children online.  29 Apr 2004

Operators move closer to 3G services

T-Mobile follows Vodafone with UK 3G network launch, with others set to follow  18 Feb 2004

Modern technology demands education

Closing chat rooms to protect children is absurd. Kids should be better educated instead  25 Nov 2003

Mobile filtering tool blocks adult content

UK company launches parental control filter  29 Sep 2003

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