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Mobile Problems
Mobiles are a great way of staying in touch, but phones have loads of other functions.
Chatting, texting, picture, video messaging and sharing stuff for free through Bluetooth are all really cool ways of using mobiles. These days you can even access the internet on you mobile phone. It is becoming increasing popular for younger people to check instant messenger applications and their social networking profiles via mobile phones. This means being online anywhere any time is becoming easier and easier.
Advice
While you may have had a phone for a number of years now, all the same lessons still apply. It’s a good idea to only give out your number to people you only know in the real world. This will decrease the risk of prank calls and companies getting hold of your number so they can directly market to you. Remember if your mobile number is posted on yours or a friends social networking profile, this information is in the public domain.
While having a camera phone can make taking pictures quick and easy, be careful if your share your pictures with others. Pictures can be changed or shared around, so think about what the image is and who you are sending it to, before you press send. Once it is out there…it’s out there forever!
Blue toothing is a quick and easy way of sharing stuff like photos, files and music. It is important to be aware that unless you lock your Bluetooth, people who you don’t know can get access to private files in your phone. It’s also a good idea to change your password from the default setting of 0000 so people can’t guess it. Locking your blue tooth can also reduce the risk of getting mobile viruses or spam to your mobile.
What to do next
Most UK mobile phone operators have call centres and staff in place to deal with nuisance callers who may be bothering you. Each company may have a slightly different way of handling complaints but they generally will offer you the same options. You may be able to change your mobile number, or even block the nuisance caller or bully. This is not always possible, and it is important to remember action can only be taken against the bully’s phone account with police involvement.
Details of how to contact the phone operators:
•O2 - 08705214000 or email ncb@O2.com
• Vodafone – call customer services on 191 from a Vodafone phone or on any other phone call 08700700191 for Pay Monthly customers or on 08700776655 for Pay as you go.
• 3 – Call 333 from a 3 phone, or 08707 330 333.
•Orange - for Pay As You Go customers, call 450 on an Orange phone or 07973 100450. For Pay Monthly customers, call 150 from an Orange phone or 07973 100150.
• T-Mobile - customer services on 150 from your T-Mobile phone or on 0845 412 5000 from a landline, or email using the 'how to contact us' section of the T-Mobile website.
If you are upset you may want to chat to someone about how you feel. There4me is a site where you can have a private one to one chat with someone from a children’s charity called the NSPCC. You can also call Childline on a free and confidential telephone number – 0800 1111 where you can talk to someone in private.
Check out www.thinkuknow.co.uk for advice on how to keep yourself safe and in control when you’re online.