As children increasingly rely on smartphones and tablets for education and entertainment, experts advise parents to implement security measures such as passcodes, parental controls, and safe online habits to protect young users from digital threats.
Parents are being urged to treat smartphones and tablets as household security devices as much as entertainment tools. As children use them for schoolwork, messaging and streaming, the first step is to lock down each handset or tablet with a strong passcode and, where available, fingerprint or facial recognition. The Australian Cyber Security Centre says those basic controls, along with automatic software updates, remain among the most effective ways to reduce risk.
Families should also use the parental tools already built into major operating systems. Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Family Link can help limit app use, review permission requests and set age-appropriate boundaries. UNICEF Australia says such controls are particularly relevant as mandatory under-16 social media rules take shape in Australia, where regulators are pressing platforms to enforce age limits and encourage safer alternatives for younger users.
Device safety also depends on day-to-day habits. Children need clear guidance on how to spot suspicious pop-ups, unsolicited messages and other common warning signs. HealthyChildren.org, the paediatric guidance site, recommends a family media plan so screen time, content access and device use are handled consistently rather than reactively.
Away from home, public Wi-Fi remains a weak point. Cybersecurity specialists warn that airport, café and shopping centre networks can expose private data if users connect carelessly or join fake hotspots set up to imitate legitimate services. Reputable virtual private networks can add an encryption layer on iPhone and Android devices, but experts still advise against online banking and other sensitive activity on open networks whenever possible.
Families should also stay alert to mobile-specific scams, including phishing texts, parcel-delivery fraud and malicious QR codes. Security advisers recommend checking unexpected alerts through the official app or website rather than tapping links in messages. They also advise downloading only from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and keeping location tools such as Find My or Find My Device switched on so lost devices can be tracked or locked quickly. Battery safety matters too: specialist guidance on lithium-ion devices says phones and tablets should be charged with proper cables, kept off soft surfaces and watched for warning signs such as overheating, swelling or unusual smells.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
