Carphone Warehouse launch anti-bully phones

EXCLUSIVE

A MOBILE phone that blocks bullying text messages sent to frightened kids and also fires off an SOS to parents is to be launched in time for the new school term.
Samsung is to sell four new devices in partnership with the Carphone Warehouse chain that incorporate a range of safety features to combat the surge of so-called cyber-bullying, where victims are harassed via SMS messages sent to their handset.
The phones allow up to 10 telephone numbers to be blocked, any of which can be added or removed at anytime. There's also an SOS message feature that allows the owner to summon help.
By clicking the volume button four times, the caller automatically sends an SMS help alert to up to five numbers of parents, family and friends.

Samsung's Anne-Sophie Frenove said: "We are always developing new technologies that allow people to get the most out of their mobiles.
"This new service is a big step towards increasing people's personal safety. Both parents and children will find it beneficial in times of emergency."
Bullying expert Emma Insley, of charity Get Connected, said the technology was great news.
She explained: "We know from the children who contact us that cyber-bullying is on the increase and a matter of concern.
"Anything that empowers young people like this does is a good thing. Nobody has the right to bully anyone. It is a very positive move."
A recent study by CPW called Mobile Life surveyed more than 1200 11-17-year-olds and revealed girls were far more likely to be bullied by mobile phone than boys.
A fifth of girls aged 15-17 had been threatened or harassed via their handset while nearly 20 per cent of 15-17s had fallen victim to it compared to just eight per cent 11-14 year olds.
It also found eight per cent of children worry about returning to school in September because of bullying, rising to 12 per cent in girls ages 11-14.

The firm are launching a Phonewise section on its website, www.carphonewarehouse.com/safety, dedicated to helping youngsters stay mobile safe and to advise parents on if their child unwittingly becomes a victim.
Andrew Harrison, CEO of The Carphone Warehouse, said: "Our research tells us that 90 per cent of under 16s own a mobile phone and many get their first one when moving to secondary school. It is our responsibility to ensure that the best advice and information is on hand for all of our customers - parents and children alike."
The project also gives tips on managing kids' calling costs and how to prevent having their phone stolen.  Each of the four new Samsung devices also includes a Mobile Tracker which can trace a lost or stolen handset.  Any time the existing SIM card is removed and replaced by a new one - for example when it is sold on by a mugger - a discrete text message is sent to a pre-set number containing the new telephone number being used by the unauthorised owner and the unique IMEI code of the phone itself, allowing it to be blocked by the networks.

Advice on cyber-bullying from Get Connected:
Keep your number private and only give it to friends you know and trust, as you do with your email address and home address.
Don't leave your mobile lying around unattended.
Don't answer calls or texts from a number you don't recognise.
Tell someone you trust, like a parent, teacher, counsellor or helpline.
Talk to your friends: even if they can't stop what's happening, they can support you and may have experienced bullying themselves.
Despite the temptation to answer back, don't respond with anything rude yourself.
Contact your network provider to ask them to block the number that's sending the message/call.
Keep copies of each message so that other people can see what's been happening to you.
In some cases the Police will be able to help you, so consider reporting it to them.
Source: Get Connected - 0808 808 4994 / help@getconnected.org.uk / www.getconnected.org.uk