Mobile security

I want to teach my students about keeping their mobile handset safe, what should I tell them?

It's very easy to lose or misplace a mobile and, as they're valuable items, they're also easy pickings for thieves.

Losing a mobile, or having it stolen, can be annoying and upsetting for a young person. It cuts them off from their friends and could result in an invasion of their privacy due to all the information, such as numbers, photos and texts, stored on their handset or SIM card.

For mobiles with access to the internet and a young person's social networking profile, a lost or stolen mobile without a PIN lock or other security protection could mean other identity theft issues.

Fortunately, all UK mobile operators have signed up to a Crime Reduction Charter and are working with the Government and law enforcement agencies to tackle mobile phone theft but you should also advise your students to:

• Keep their mobile out of site when it's not in use - treat it like they would their wallet or purse.
• Never leave it unattended or lend it to someone they don't trust.
• Activate their phone's security code/PIN lock
• Register their mobile with their network provider and keep a note of its unique IMEI (identity) number (they can find it by typing *#06# in their mobile) in case they need to report it as missing.

Where can I find out more?

• Check your school's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for guidance on students bringing personal ICT equipment, such as mobiles, into school.
• Direct your students to the Metropolitan Police website for more mobile security tips.
• Suggest that your student and their parents check their mobile network provider's website for information about how they can help with security (eg UV-marking their postcode on their handset). You can find contact details for the UK's leading mobile network providers here.
• Visit Out Of Your Hands for useful school resources about reducing mobile phone crime.
• If one of your student's mobile is stolen, they (or their parent if they are the registered owner) should call their mobile network provider immediately. The provider can block use of the stolen mobile on all UK networks, even if the SIM card has been changed. They should also report it to the police.
• Click here for our tips on privacy and personal safety.