DSPs Using and Supporting Technology Use

Empowering Digital Inclusion: Promoting Cell Phone Safety

Author

Mary Jo Krile is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY. She can be reached at maryjo.krile@eku.edu

Mary is smiling while looking at the camera. She is standing with her right shoulder forward and left shoulder behind. She has longer reddish-brown hair that is pulled back, green eyes and is wearing diamond earrings and a light green V-neck top.

Mary J Krile, author

In today’s technology-driven society, cell phones are essential to daily living. These devices provide numerous benefits and risks for people of all abilities. For individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), cell phones facilitate accessible communication, inclusion in society, independence, and safety. However, cell phone use also carries risks such as addiction, engaging with predators, being a victim of scams or fraud, and cyberbullying. As direct support professionals (DSPs), you may be frequently asked or told about dangers that have occurred from cell phone use. To support individuals with IDD using cell phones to support daily living, it is crucial to know strategies that promote safe cell phone use. As a researcher who focuses on promoting digital literacy and internet safety for individuals with IDD, I have formed and researched many strategies in this area. Below, I have included my top three safety tips for cell phones.

To support individuals with IDD using cell phones to support daily living, it is crucial to know strategies that promote safe cell phone use.

Cell Phone Safety Tips

Know cell phone safety features

Cell phones offer safety features and shortcuts that can easily be accessed in emergencies. iPhones and Androids have two main safety features: Emergency SOS and Government Alerts. By reviewing and teaching these safety features, we can ensure that individuals with IDD have easy access to emergency services and information.

Screen shot of a cell phone of Settings on Emergency SOS. Call with Hold and Release is On, Call with 5 Button Presses if Off, Call Quietly is On and Call After Severe Crash is On.

Emergency call SOS

This cell phone feature lets users quickly contact emergency services (911). iPhones and Androids have shortcuts that can be set to allow for quicker connection with emergency services. On an iPhone, the Emergency Call SOS shortcut is triggered by pressing the power button five consecutive times and then sliding the SOS Emergency Call toggle that appears. For users who may have difficulty with physically performing this shortcut, the shortcut can be changed. This is done through the Emergency SOS settings within the settings app. Users can turn on other emergency settings (within the settings app) to align with their specific desires (see Image 1). Settings on an Android are similar to those on an iPhone. On an Android, these settings can be adjusted from the Safety and Emergency SOS menu within the settings app.

Government alerts

Another safety feature on cell phones is that they can get emergency alerts during natural disasters, AMBER Alerts, or other local or national emergencies. Users will receive alerts from the government when these situations occur by toggling on the different government alerts. To access these options, users must use their settings app and go to the Notifications menu. Within this menu, there will be an option for government alerts (iPhone) (see Image 2) and Wireless Emergency Services (Android).

Personal information consists of any personally identifiable information, such as birth date, address, social security number, bank account information, exact location, etc. This information can easily be shared with others via cell phones. While sometimes this information needs to be shared via cell phones, it should only be shared with others known to the individual or via secure sites. Sharing this information with strangers or via an unsecured process can lead to scams and/or identity fraud. Like all cell phone users, individuals with IDD can be vulnerable to this. Therefore, it is critical to frequently review personal information, who it can be shared with, and the process of securely sharing it via cell phone. Please see the personal information resource for assistance reviewing and discussing this information.

Use of Online Safety Strategies

Smartphones allow users to connect with others in more ways than texting and calling. Cell phone users can now connect with others via email, social media, video chat, and other online platforms. Due to this, it is critical to provide individuals with IDD with online safety strategies. Many online safety strategies can be found online. The online safety strategies I have linked within the resources are strategies I created and used specifically with individuals with IDD. These strategies include having a Top Three Trusted Network (in which three trusted individuals are identified as individuals one can talk to when something bothersome or inappropriate happens through cell phone use) and a visual checklist for identifying the safety level of a message (see image below).

A Stop sign. Too dangerous! Do not replay! Talk to a trusted adult! If one or more are checked: a) I do not know the person who sent the message. b) the message is inappropriate. c) the message bothers me. d) the person asked for personal information (birthday, phone number, address, social security number, debit or credit card number, banking information, etc. A Go sign. Safe to repay. If none of these are checked. a) I do not know the person who sent the message. b) the message is inappropriate. c) the message bothers me. d) the person asked for personal information (birthday, phone number, address, social security number, debit or credit card number, banking information, etc.

Cell phones are powerful tools that can enhance the lives of individuals with IDD. Using cell phones offers many benefits, but it also carries dangers. That is why we have strategies to promote safe cell phone use for individuals with IDD. Here are resources I have created and mentioned in the safety tips . I have also included a cell phone tips and tricks lesson handout I use when teaching basic cell phone use and safety (including blocking contacts). In conclusion, individuals with IDD can use the strategies above and resources below to make informed and safe decisions when using cell phones.

Resources

Google Drive Folder of Cell Phone Safety Resources

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