The allure of online games has captivated children, and a recent incident in Lucknow highlights the potential dangers. A 13-year-old boy tragically took his own life after losing 13 lakh rupees from his father’s account while playing the Free Fire game. This devastating event underscores the importance of parental control and security measures on mobile devices. Parents who allow their children access to their phones should implement several essential settings to protect both their finances and their children.
**The Incident:**
The 14-year-old, a sixth-grade student, frequently played Free Fire on his father’s mobile. Driven by the desire to win in-game rewards, he gradually spent 13 lakh rupees from his father’s account. When the father went to the bank to withdraw money, he discovered the financial loss. Though the father attempted to address the situation, the child, overcome with distress, tragically ended his life.
**Essential Mobile Phone Settings for Parents:**
* **Set Bank Account and UPI Limits:** Exercise caution if your child uses your phone. Set limits on your bank account and UPI transactions to prevent excessive spending. This prevents your child from exceeding the set financial limit.
* **Activate Parental Controls:** Both Android and iPhone devices offer parental control features. Activating these controls restricts the child’s access to only approved content and applications.
* **Block In-App Purchases:** If your child has games downloaded on your phone, disable in-app purchases before allowing them access. Enable password confirmation for purchases made through the Google Play Store and App Store.
* **Use Strong Passwords:** Before giving your child access to the phone, set strong passwords for banking apps and UPI applications. Consider using biometric locks for enhanced security.
