Before handing over that first phone, parents must tackle these seven online dangers

Getting your child their first smartphone is a major step – but it’s not just social media you need to worry about. Experts highlight seven crucial online risks every parent should talk through first.

For many families, the move to secondary school is also when children get their first smartphone, marking a new chapter of independence. Yet with that freedom comes exposure to a vast digital landscape that can be tricky for parents to oversee.

While social media grabs the spotlight, other serious online threats lurk in messaging apps, gaming platforms, websites and even AI tools.

To guide parents through the maze, SafetyMode – a smartphone safety app created in partnership with Mumsnet – has released a free Essential Guide for Parents detailing seven key issues to address before kids start using phones.

1. Screen time spirals

It’s not just what children see but how long they spend on their devices. Excessive screen time, late-night scrolling and constant notifications can disrupt sleep and wellbeing. Set firm rules around phone use during meals and bedtime from the start.

2. Bullying that never switches off

Bullying can now follow children everywhere through group chats and gaming platforms. Reassure youngsters they can talk about anything that makes them uncomfortable, and teach them how to block or report offenders.

3. Grooming and explicit content

Smartphones can open the door to sexual content through websites, messages or contact from strangers. Parental controls can provide an extra layer of protection, but children also need to understand why sharing intimate images or personal information is risky.

4. Scams and online rip-offs

Youngsters can be targeted by fake competitions, bogus offers and fraudulent online shops designed to steal money or passwords. A simple rule can help: any payment or request for personal details must be checked with an adult first.

5. Misinformation and AI fakery

The flood of online information includes misleading claims and increasingly convincing AI-generated images and videos. Teach children to question who created a post, why it was shared and whether reliable sources back it up.

6. Privacy leaks

Children can unknowingly reveal personal details through usernames, photographs, school references or location tags. Review privacy settings together and explain why seemingly harmless information can matter.

7. Homework distractions

Smartphones can help with research and schoolwork, but notifications can quickly destroy concentration. Unrestricted access to AI tools also presents new challenges around completing assignments. Clear boundaries during study time can help prevent bad habits.

SafetyMode’s free Phone Safety for Teens & Kids guide offers further practical advice and conversation starters for parents.

The aim isn’t to scare children away from technology. It’s about making sure they understand both its benefits and its pitfalls before that first phone becomes part of everyday life.