It feels like they have an excruciating
need to know our whereabouts at all times, or to have an up-to-date background
check on any new friendship we encounter. These are all simple parental
instincts.
Furthermore, video games, movies, and music
records all share one thing in common: they have ratings. These ratings allow
parents to choose whether or not the media is appropriate for their child to
watch.
Even pay-per-view television has parental control, allowing the setup of
a secure pin code.
But what about when it comes to downloading
or watching movies online? What about the billions of applications that we have
available nowadays for our smartphones?
The majority of mobile apps do not provide
any privacy information, which makes it hard for mothers and fathers to decide
which apps are safe to let their kids use. Nevertheless, some mobile companies
do provide warnings and notifications when a user tries to download
applications with a certain kind of content.
I read this article about kids and parents
downloading apps and the problems it brings along!
What do you think about it???
What's the link for the article relating to your post?
ReplyDeleteJust from what you've said, I think it's a tough situation to control. Unless parents monitor what apps their children are downloading and using there is no way for them to be certain the content they are accessing is age appropriate.
I believe there are efforts that can be made on both sides of this "problem".
1) the companies creating the apps could ensure they have simpler privacy information and clear "warnings" in a sense so that before you accept the download a child/parent knows exactly what to expect.
2) I however believe greater responsibility lies with the parents in some sense. Parents should discuss what apps they find appropriate or inappropriate for their children and educate them as best they can because ultimately the decision is left to the child who is making the download. You can only hope you've done enough of a good job for them to know how to best make decisions when it comes to these situations.
I apologize for the late reply.
ReplyDeleteThe article I found is : http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/21/tech/mobile/privacy-info-kids-apps/index.html
I agree with you strongly on both points. It will only be fair if both side, parents as well as providers, give some effort in controlling the situation. Only like this we can ensure the best possible outcome for the kids.