Dramatic consequences

When the cell phone becomes an unnoticed trap for children

Porn, hate, bullying! There are all kinds of dangers lurking in cell phone use.

(Bild: Reinhard Holl)

You don't need drugs to be addicted. A smartphone and Internet access are enough. And unfortunately, the addicts are getting younger and younger. However, there are plenty of dangers lurking when it comes to cell phone use, especially for our children. Many parents only find out about problems when it's too late.

At what age does it make sense to have your own cell phone? How long should I let my child use their cell phone or tablet? And how can you limit the risks? Sebastian Holzknecht from SaferInternet has already been asked questions like these at a number of parents' evenings. "Many parents underestimate how quickly something can happen on the internet," emphasizes the Tyrolean, who has been working for Insafe - the EU's Safer Internet Network - for more than ten years. Parents often only find out about problems when there is already a threat of legal consequences. It is therefore important to talk to children early on and make them aware of the risks.