Search
Close this search box.

Cox Mobile survey reveals alarming link between kids’ location sharing and stranger danger

Cox Mobile, Cox Communications’ mobile phone service, recently announced the results from their first survey, Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety. The survey uncovered an alarming correlation between location sharing and “strangers” communicating with kids and teens through their mobile devices.  “Parenting today’s tech-savvy kids can be challenging. Many get their first phone between the ages of […]

Cox MobileCox Communications’ mobile phone service, recently announced the results from their first survey, Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety. The survey uncovered an alarming correlation between location sharing and “strangers” communicating with kids and teens through their mobile devices. 

  • 56% of parents said their children’s location sharing is turned on, making their location publicly accessible across several mobile apps.  
  • 31% said their children have been contacted by a stranger on their mobile device. 
  • Nearly one-third (28%) said the stranger referenced their child’s location.  

“Parenting today’s tech-savvy kids can be challenging. Many get their first phone between the ages of 10 and 14, much earlier than other generations,” said Cam Johnson, manager of public affairs for Cox. “While providing kids with greater access to technology enables many positive connections and benefits, the reality is that real dangers can exist just one tap or swipe away. As the Emerald Coast’s trusted connectivity provider, we’re encouraging digital literacy, educating families on the potential risks, and promoting safer, informed use of these incredibly powerful connectivity tools.”

Some Good News: A large majority of parents surveyed said they prioritize their children’s phone safety and have frequent conversations about risk prevention. 

  • 65% of parents discuss mobile device safety with their children several times a week. 
  • 75% check screen time and text messages daily to a few times a week, along with phone calls their children received (73%). 
  • 73% of parents are friends with their children on social media, and 64% interact with them through those channels. 

Other Key Findings: 

  • More than half of parents believe the use of social media apps elevates safety risk for kids, yet 60% say their child has them on their phone. 
  • Cyberbullying is among the top three things keeping parents up at night.  
  • Parents are most concerned about their children encountering predatory or inappropriate behavior (39%) and content (23%) on their phones.  

For more data points from Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety, a Cox Mobile Survey, and tips and resources for parents, visit www.coxmobilesafety.com

Want to know more about Cox Mobile? Visit the Cox retail store in Crestview or Fort Walton Beach to find out how much you can save on your internet and mobile phone bill, or visit Cox Mobile online for more information on devices and plans.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
Respond
“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
Respond
“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
Respond
“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.