short videos of themselves or allow someone else to
do so. They also snap photos or shoot video humili-
ating or harming others to post online; they photo-
graph their crimes, and take inappropriate photos of
other minors. Some find that embarrassment isn’t the
only consequence: they may also face criminal
charges. Those photographing sexual images of them-
selves or others may face felony charges for creating
and distributing child sexual abuse images.➟ Can the phone link your child to social networking
sites? Social networking sites are seeing huge increases
in traffic via mobile phones. Teens in particular use
these features to update their statuses and monitor
their friends’ communications and activities. Spur-of-
the-moment posts, whether on the computer or a
mobile device, are often done without considering
safety. What seems like a good idea to share today
may not seem like a good idea in the long term.➟ Do you know how to report theft of the phone? You
may need to provide serial numbers or other informa-
tion found on the phone itself — usually found
under the battery. Ask the sales clerk what informa-
tion you need in order to report theft. If you don’t
have this information written down, you surely won’t
be able to find it after the phone is stolen.➟ Do you know how to report harassment or bullying?
The carrier should have a clear set of procedures that
you can use to report any malicious calls. It’s best to
know these in advance of any trouble. Discuss these
procedures and all other issues listed here with any
child who will use a phone.228
Part II: Using the Internet While Dodging the Risk