What Are the Basic Safety Rules for Cellphones?

Parents and caregivers: Discuss these basic safety rules before you give your kid a cellphone.

Texting

• Be respectful, both to the people you're texting with and those around you.

• Be careful. Assume that even private texts can become public.

Calling

• Verify the caller (or texter). Don't respond to numbers you don't know.

• Always answer the phone when it's a parent or caregiver!

Taking pictures

• Ask permission before you snap someone's picture, take a video, or forward a photo.

• Don't publicly embarrass people. Don't post someone's photo -- especially an unflattering one -- from your phone without their permission.

Apps and downloads

• Apps, games, music, and in-app upgrades can cost real money. Follow your family's rules about what you can and can't buy, and whether you need permission to download.

• You may not be able to access everything if parental control settings are enabled. Depending on your family's rules, some content, downloads, and in-app purchases could be blocked.

Posting

• Think before you post. Be very choosy about what you post from your phone.

• Be safe. Sharing private information and using location services can be risky.