Get phonewise with The Carphone Warehouse
2007 News
December 23rd, 2007
All you need to know when it comes to buying your child's first mobile
The Carphone Warehouse and charity Get Connected have collaborated to create Phonewise, an online service offering parents and children important guidance when it comes to buying a mobile phone.
Choosing a phone and knowing how best to use it can be a complicated process but Phonewise, available later this month at http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/safety, helps to make things clearer and ensures that both you and your child can enjoy the benefits a mobile phone can bring. The site features advice on controlling costs, content, crime, health and mobile bullying.
Recent research* shows that nearly 20% of 15 to 17 year olds have been victims of mobile phone bullying. Although worrying, there are a number of things to consider when it comes to keeping your child and their phone safe. Below is some important advice from the website:
* Keep your number private and only give it to friends you know and trust, as you do with your email address and home address
* Tell someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, counsellor or helpline if you are being bullied
* Contact your network provider to ask them to block a number sending abusive messages/calls
* Keep copies of each message so that other people can see what’s been happening to you
Emma Insley, director of Get Connected, the free and confidential helpline offering young people information and support when they need it, said: “Get Connected believes that every young person has the right to physical and emotional well-being. Your mobile should help, not hinder, this. It’s a way to keep in touch with friends, let your family know your whereabouts and also to access help when you need it.
Phonewise, therefore offers you important advice about how to use your phone without worrying that anyone will use it to intimidate or threaten you.”
The Carphone Warehouse has a range of handsets and deals available to suit you and your child’s needs. Along with the launch of Phonewise, The Carphone Warehouse is delighted to announce that Samsung has incorporated a set of personal security features into four of its best selling handsets. These new features include:
* SOS Messaging: allowing the user to call for immediate assistance in the event of an emergency; by clicking the volume button four times an SMS alert is automatically sent to up to five pre-assigned numbers
* Text Blocking: allowing users to stop up to 10 mobile numbers from sending text messages, helping to prevent mobile phone bullying
* Mobile Tracker: improving the chances of phone recovery; if the SIM card is removed and replaced an SMS is sent to a pre-set number including the number of the new user and the handset’s unique IMEI and even tracing lost or stolen handsets
-Ends-
For further information please contact freud communications:
LJ Hyland
T: 020 3003 6314
E:
Notes to the editors:
* Phonewise is available at http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/safety
* The Carphone Warehouse is the largest independent mobile phone retailer in the UK with over 800 stores. The company is committed to offering impartial and expert advice on the widest range of the latest product and services, plus unbeatable aftersales care
* Suggested handsets for your child’s first phone include:
The following Samsung handsets all contain the latest security features and are available from The Carphone Warehouse Pay As You Go from £49.95:
* E250
* E590
* U600
* J600
* Get Connected
The Carphone Warehouse has supported Get Connected since 2001 providing accommodation, resources and funding. Get Connected is a free, confidential helpline that gives young people in difficult situations the support and information you need to decide what you want to happen next. Whether you’re worried about bullying or something else, we’ll find you the best help. It could be anything from a listening ear to somewhere safe to stay for the night.
Call 0808 808 4994
Telephone helpline open 7 days a week, 1pm-11pm
Email
Emails answered within 24 hours
Webchat http://www.getconnected.org.uk/help
Check website for opening hours
* Survey conducted by YouGov for the Mobile Life report, questioning more than 1,250 young people aged 11 to 17 who own a mobile phone