The captivating nature of online games poses significant risks for children, as illustrated by a recent tragedy in Lucknow. A 13-year-old boy tragically ended his life after losing 13 lakh rupees from his father’s account while playing the Free Fire game. This devastating event underscores the vital need for parents to implement crucial security settings on their mobile phones if their children have access. These settings are designed to protect both financial resources and children’s safety.
**The Story:**
The 14-year-old boy, who was in the 6th grade, frequently played the Free Fire game on his father’s phone. The boy’s desire to win in-game rewards led him to gradually spend 13 lakh rupees from his father’s account. The father discovered the financial losses when he went to the bank to withdraw money. Although the father attempted to talk to his son, the child, distressed and upset, took the extreme step of suicide.
**Important Phone Settings to Implement:**
* **Set Bank and UPI Limits:** If your child uses your phone, set transaction limits on your bank and UPI accounts. This limits how much they can spend.
* **Enable Parental Controls:** Utilize the parental control features available on both Android and iPhones. These features allow you to control the apps and content your child can access.
* **Block In-App Purchases:** Before your child uses your phone, disable in-app purchases within games. Require a password for any purchases made via the Google Play Store or App Store.
* **Use Strong Passwords and Biometric Locks:** Set strong passwords for all banking and UPI applications installed on the phone. Consider using biometric locks for added security.