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Minor Device



If cell phones were available that could be designated as a minor device when setting up internet access it would:


  • Provide another layer of protection for minors, a layer that does not include age verification.
  • Give parents a simple way of turning on this layer of protection.
  • Allow the marketplace to determine availability.  No need to go through the legislatures or courts.


 

Same Phone-More Options


The only thing standing in the way of this commonsense approach is that this feature is not available.


When the tech industry has children's safety as part of their core value, and not an afterthought, the internet will be safe for kids.


How do we incentivize phone manufacturers to provide this product? 

Motivate tech exec


Most of the executives and CEOs of large tech companies receive their work compensation in the form of stock in their company. 


If parents moved their investments and retirement money away from tech companies, the price of their stock would go down.


When the price of their stock goes down, their wealth goes down


This will get anyone's attention


‌Tech talk vs tech action



Given the current landscape, the absence of federal guardrails, and the emergence of AI, the words of the tech industry are not enough.  What actions can the tech industry take to demonstrate that children's safety is part of their core mission, and not an afterthought? 


  • Develop tools, such as a phone that can be designated as a minor device
  • Keep children's safety as a core priority when discussing product development
  • Provide a robust mechanism whereby adults can report hazards, and remedy these hazards within 24 hours


These are just a few of the many actions that the tech industry can take that will demonstrate their commitment to partnering with parents in addressing children's online safety 


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Our email address is: thetoolsforparents@gmail.com


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