Image-based abuse

May 3, 2019

Consumer Advice Cyber Security and Digital Threats

Image-based abuse occurs when intimate, nude or sexual images are distributed without the consent of those pictured. This includes real, altered (e.g. Photoshopped) and drawn pictures and videos. Sharing can occur via social media, posting images on websites or by sharing over SMS/MMS. While you may have consented to an image...

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Parental controls for mobiles

May 3, 2019

Child Safety and Parental Controls

Today’s children are growing up surrounded by mobile technology and all it has to offer. While the benefits of technology are clear, there are some aspects of smartphone use and access to the internet that demand both awareness and engagement from parents and caregivers. The advice from experts can sometimes...

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Kids and smartphones

May 3, 2019

Child Safety and Parental Controls

Smartphones allow kids to stay in touch with parents and caregivers and are seen as indispensable by many teenagers. Smartphones also provide kids with access to the internet so they can access emails, social media sites and online chatting. No doubt, your kids have told you that everyone else at...

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Be prepared – natural disasters and emergencies

May 3, 2019

Consumer Advice Mobile Hints & Tips Mobile Tips and Best Practices

Here are some tips on how you can be prepared and use your mobile device to stay safe during an emergency situation or natural disaster: In an urgent medical or life-threatening emergency situation, call Triple Zero (000). Remember you can call Triple Zero (000) even without a SIM card in...

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Calling Triple Zero (000)

May 3, 2019

Consumer Advice Mobile Hints & Tips Mobile Tips and Best Practices

We are all used to relying on our mobile in our day to day life; and in an emergency situation your mobile may well be the first thing you reach for. Around 80% of calls to Australia’s emergency number, Triple Zero, now originate from a mobile rather than a landline....

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How to look after your mobile device

May 3, 2019

Consumer Advice Mobile Hints & Tips Mobile Tips and Best Practices

Almost all Australians now own a smartphone and this is often a significant investment. We also store a lot of personal and important information on our phones. So it’s important to take care of your phone and maintain it properly. Here are some tips on maintaining your mobile: Keep it...

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Lost and stolen phones

May 3, 2019

Consumer Advice

Lost or Stolen Phone? If you have lost or had your mobile stolen, please phone your mobile service provider to have your IMEI blocked: Numbers for Customer Service: Telstra 125111 Optus 133937 Vodafone 1555 on your mobile or 1300 650 410 Virgin Mobile  1300 555 100 Lycamobile 122 on your mobile or 1300 854 607 Lebara 1300...

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Mobiles and bullying – tips for kids

May 3, 2019

Child Safety and Parental Controls Consumer Advice

Where would you be without your mobile? It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends – by texting or via instant messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage – as well as social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. But bullies can also make use of mobile technologies...

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Mobile apps and kids

May 3, 2019

Child Safety and Parental Controls Consumer Advice

Mobile users love their apps and games and this includes children. While many mobile apps and games are free or inexpensive, some can be costly if they include the ability for players or users to make “in-app purchases” while playing the game or using the app. Such “in-app purchases” are...

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International roaming explained

May 3, 2019

Consumer Advice Mobile Hints & Tips Mobile Tips and Best Practices

What is international roaming? International roaming is when you are able to use your mobile on another mobile network overseas while still being billed by your usual Australian mobile service provider. This works because the overseas network provider has a commercial agreement with your Australian mobile network provider and will...

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Manage mobile data use

May 3, 2019

Consumer Advice Mobile Hints & Tips Mobile Tips and Best Practices

With smartphones allowing us to browse the internet, use social media, upload and download videos and photos, it’s important to keep an eye on your mobile data usage. Some plans now offer unlimited data or allow you to share data usage across a family plan, while other plans offer set...

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Screentime-Guidelines for parents

May 1, 2019

Child Safety and Parental Controls Consumer Advice

The UK’s Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published a Guidance for parents and caregivers on screen time for children. Interestingly, RCPCH concluded that the evidence is weak for a threshold to guide children and parents to the appropriate level of screen time, and so they do not recommend...

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Consumer Protection

April 18, 2010

Consumer Advice Mobile Hints & Tips Mobile Tips and Best Practices

In today’s connected world, we all rely on our mobile service. In fact, over 7 million Australians rely on a mobile service only and no longer have a fixed line phone at home. (ACMA Communications Report 2017-18). Mobile phones and services can also range in price from easily affordable options...

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