City Offers Cell Phone Safety Advice

From a press release from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department:

During this year’s holiday gift giving, many parents have decided to give their children cellular telephones. Most new phones fall under a Smartphone category, which means they are capable of performing many tasks other than just being a telephone.

The commonly used tasks by kids are texting, sending photos, social networking, downloading music, watching videos, playing games and then of course using it as a telephone.

Cell phones can be a great safety feature for your children, and a lifeline. However, it is important that your child is mature enough to understand the hazards of cell phone use.

With more advancement in cellular technology, comes the responsibility for parents to manage cell phone use by our children. Sending pictures over the Internet is something that is common for children to do these days. Photo-messaging on cell phones is no different. Children need to be aware that not all pictures are appropriate to send and receive. They also need to know that if they receive a message or image that makes them uncomfortable, they should immediately tell you or another trusted adult. Not deleting the inappropriate material before showing an adult is best, so the adult can better assess the issue and present the problem to law enforcement authorities if necessary.

Moorpark Police Cell Phone Quick List of Dos and Do Nots
1. Do send appropriate text, email or picture messages only.
2. Do not give out your address or other personal information on a phone call, text or email to people you don’t know or if others can hear you.
3. Do not respond to an email, text, picture or voice message from someone you don’t know.
4. Do tell an adult you trust if you receive anything on your phone—a call, a text message, an email, a picture or voicemail message—that makes you uncomfortable.
5. Do be aware of your surroundings and understand when talking or texting is appropriate and when it is not.

Finally, for those who can drive, never ever talk or text while driving.