Moms and Smartphone Safety

Who hasn’t got a smartphone nowadays? From teens to grandmothers, they’re a part of our lives – and they’re here to stay. Whether you use yours for texting, for social media, or for a candy crush binge, there are things to watch out for – especially if you’re new to smartphones.

You’ll be tempted to download half the app shop, from baby apps for the youngest, to location monitors for the rebellious teens. Unfortunately, there are quite a few apps that aren’t safe to download. Malware, Spyware: the risks can be quite big. If you want to be sure that your app, phone, and data are safe, always check the app reviews and don’t download apps that don’t have any. If you’re not sure, it may be a good idea to ask a colleague or friend, or even your children for advice. The rule is: if you suspect something is up, don’t risk it.

As for physical security: you really want to make sure your phone is well protected. All the care in the world won’t save your new smartphone if you drop it and it breaks on the first impact. Getting a case is paramount. When looking for one, be sure to check the one you like actually fits your phone. So, look for Galaxy S8 case, rather than just a Galaxy case. There might be other models, and you could well end up with one that doesn’t fit.

Pick the right accessories, too. If you want to use a stylus, always check that it’s suitable for your device. The same applies for cleaners and wipes, as they may otherwise damage your screen. Usually, the packaging will tell you if they are suitable.

Speaking of, you will also want to get a screen protector, as the screen is the most vulnerable part of your device. Alternatively, get a case that closes over the top of the phone and thus protects the screen.

As for using it – be careful what information you give and where. An email address or a name may not be a big deal, but you never know where your information ends up, so be smart about giving any out wherever possible – this includes social media. Use the same care you would on your PC.

This also applies to uploading photos online. There are lots of mobile based social media platforms, and almost all will encourage you to upload photos. In general, this is fine, but take care when publishing photos of yourself or your children – they will almost never be completely private, and you never know who else may have access to, or see them.

One last thing to not forget: even though you need to be careful and protect your phone and your data, don’t let all of this scare you off – be sure to enjoy your new phone to the maximum, and don’t be shy in asking for help!