As the new academic year commences, there has been a notable shift in parental preference towards non-smartphones for their children. Virgin Media O2 (UK) has observed a twofold increase in sales over the past year, particularly noting a significant surge in September.
This surge in demand underlines the escalating focus on enabling parents to make well-informed decisions concerning their children’s online security. Feature phones typically prioritize fundamental functionalities like calling and texting, often devoid of internet connectivity, touchscreens, or applications, rendering them a safer choice for young users.
Virgin Media O2 presents an array of non-smartphones, encompassing popular models such as the Nokia 105 and the Nokia 3210.
The company has also collaborated with Internet Matters to advocate the significance of online safety by urging parents and guardians to engage in conversations with children about staying safe online. At the core of the initiative lies a compelling film that sheds light on the challenges adults encounter when explaining online risks to children. Research indicates that merely 42% of parents converse with their children about online safety.
In conjunction, they have developed complimentary guides to assist families in safeguarding themselves online. These guides furnish adults with counsel on how to engage in discussions with children and young individuals about online safety, along with information about online safety tools and controls.
Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
Growing numbers of parents and carers are taking conscious decisions to provide their children with reliable non-smart phones. This surge in demand reflects how families are looking for new ways to help their children safely navigate the digital world. We’re committed to supporting parents and guardians to help them keep their children connected, safely. Through our ‘Find the Right Words’ campaign and partnerships with charities like Internet Matters, we’re providing families with expert guidance, resources and practical tips so they can protect their children online.
Source: virginmediao2