Vodafone’s New App Keeps Kids Safe Using Smartphones

2 December 2011

Keeping young people safe when using their smartphone by protecting them from unwanted calls, TXTs, and inappropriate use of the internet, is now firmly in the hands of parents and caregivers, thanks to a new app launched by Vodafone today.

Vodafone Guardian is an Android app, available for free from Android Market, which allows parents to choose who can call/TXT their child and can even restrict access during specified times, such as after hours Other phone functions such as accessing the camera, the internet, Bluetooth or downloading apps can be ‘timetabled’ or blocked altogether.

Russell Stanners, Vodafone New Zealand CEO, says Guardian gives parents choice.

"Many parents like the security of being able to keep in touch with their kids with a mobile phone, which far outweighs the risks from cyberbullying or unwanted contact. With Vodafone Guardian parents get all the benefits of their kids having a smartphone, without any of the worry.”

Bruce Pilbrow, Parents Inc CEO says this technology is a welcome addition to the parenting toolbox.

“Technology is a real part of family life today and can be used in so many positive ways – but parents still need to be the ones who teach appropriate boundaries around technology. Vodafone recognises this and is leading the way by providing practical tools to help parents put appropriate boundaries around this medium”

Vodafone Guardian can be set up using recommended guidelines for certain age ranges – for example, choosing the “7 to 8 years” age bracket disables the camera, internet and any incoming calls or TXTs from unknown callers. Alternatively, a parent can choose to set tailor each feature individually.

The app includes password protection which the parent can activate when first setting up the device. Any unauthorised change to the settings triggers a TXT message to the parent or caregiver. Older teenagers or even adults wishing to control who contacts them can use Vodafone Guardian to set features on their own phone without the need to use the password facility.
Russell Stanners says Vodafone Guardian is an important addition to the company’s growing suite of products aimed at building customers’ confidence in and control of technology. “We started on this journey last year with Vodafone Blacklist, which gives customers the power to block unwanted TXT and PXT messages. With more than 30,000 customers regularly using Blacklist, we know these kinds of services are meeting a real need in the community.”
Vodafone Guardian has been developed by The Vodafone Foundation and is being rolled out in eight countries around the world. It is available for free (standard data charges apply*) from Android Market by searching for “Vodafone Guardian”, or by TXTing GUARDIAN to 898. More information is available at www.vodafone.co.nz/guardian.
* If the app is downloaded whilst the smartphone is connected to a home WiFi network then no mobile data charges will be incurred.

Manage Your Account, check your Vodafone Mail and send web2TXT online: www.vodafone.co.nz/myvodafone

ENDS

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