1.How do young people use their mobile phones?

Young people like to use mobile phones as it increases their sense of independence by enabling them to make arrangements with friends and family. They are also entertained by games, ringtones and by using mobiles to take pictures. Young people can also exchange data (e.g. pictures or ringtones) wirelessly over short distances using their phone's bluetooth technology. As mobile technology develops, increasing numbers of children have access to the Internet through their phones, providing them with access to their email, social networking and gaming sites etc on the move.

2.Why is it good for young people to use mobile phones?

No young person likes to be without their mobile phone at any time! Even though every parent can be heard complaining about the bills, mobile phones can also be a good way of keeping in touch with family and friends, and ensuring the safety of a child. 

3. What are the risks young people encounter when using phones?

Apart from young people spending all their time chatting to their friends and not to you (!), there are some risks in their use of mobile technology. A large proportion of new mobile phones have web access, and more recently - mobile TV has been launched. This means that young people can access content from the internet and TV wherever they are, and without parental or teacher supervision. With the advent of picture and video messaging - young people need to be increasingly careful about the images they share. It is very easy for inappropriate images to be shared around a number of phones, changed and even put online, where it is impossible to get back. This is particularly worrying, if images are used in child abuse sites. Young people also need to be aware that they put themselves at risk of mobile bullying, or inappropriate intimate contact if they give out their mobile number to people they don't fully trust.

Source: http://thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/faq/mobiles.aspx

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