Starter smartphone prioritises cybersafety
A new smartphone designed for first-time users puts online safety at the forefront, reducing exposure to risk while still providing a tool for connection.
In 2020, just under half (46%) of Australian children aged between six and thirteen used a mobile phone — up from 41% in 20151. In the 14- to 17-year age bracket, that figure jumps to nine out of 102. Nearly 60% of young people aged 8 to 17 years that reported a negative experience online said they suffered emotional and/or psychological impacts as a result3.
A majority (94%) of parents identify their child’s online safety as a priority; however, parents lack confidence in dealing with certain negative online experiences their child may face, such as cyberbullying and online threats4.
Designed by Aussie dad and tech expert Charlie Brown, the G-mee Connect smartphone has no camera and features in-built parental controls to quickly adjust device functionality and create a safer online experience for young users.
To support a positive online experience, the G-mee Connect smartphone comes with an in-built App Lock to ensure users only access and engage with age appropriate content. The smartphone also enables download of a free Call Manager App, giving parents the ability to disallow calls from specific numbers and phone use at specific times of the day.
“The G-mee Connect smartphone is all about giving everyday Australian families an affordable first phone option that prioritises online safety for young users. G-mee smart devices give parents the ability to curate the content their child engages with, to help guide and educate them about safely using smart technology to become informed users into the future,” said G-mee creator Charlie Brown.
References:
- ACMA – Kids and mobiles: How Australian children are using mobile phones
- Roy Morgan Single Source Australia, July 2015 – June 2016
- Office of the eSafety Commissioner – State of Play – Youth, kids and digital dangers
- eSafety Research Parenting Digital Age
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