If you’re concerned about your kids’ online safety, you definitely have reason to be. Exposure to content on the internet and social media puts children at risk of an array of harms, including harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, cyberbullying, and related mental health issues.
What makes online safety even more of a risk for children is just how often their personal data, like their names, email addresses, and phone numbers, is required for basic signups and account creation. Every time your child enters this data online, they increase the likelihood of this data being found and used by the wrong people.
But how can your kids still have some level of independence online while still keeping this private data safe? Rather than creating an account with your own data, one solution is to use a temporary phone number to verify account signups.
What Are Temporary Phone Numbers?
Temporary phone numbers are non-VoIP numbers (meaning they’re tied to a real phone SIM, like your own number) that you can use when you don’t want to give out your real number.
You can buy these numbers from sites like https://www.smspool.net/, usually for a couple of dollars, which lets you use them as necessary for a temporary period (typically around 20-60 minutes).
Why Create an Account With A Temporary Number?
The big benefit of using a temporary phone number when you’re creating an online account for your child is the anonymity it offers. Your child can use a nickname, an email address that they only use for their online accounts (not their personal one), and a phone number that isn’t associated with them, to limit the sharing of data tied to their identities online.
Essentially, that means your child can still use social media and other online platforms without giving away their private data. It gives you peace of mind as a parent, and you don’t have to hand over your own phone number.
How to Use a Temporary Number for Account Signups
To use a temporary number to sign up for an account, just purchase a number from a site like SMSPool, then enter this number in the designated space when you’re adding your child’s signup details.
You’ll then receive an SMS code directly to the number (accessible online), which you can enter to complete signup. Your child will be able to log into their account without having to share their real number at any point.
Final Word: When You Should and Shouldn’t Use This Method
The ideal occasion to use a temporary number is when you’re creating an account for your child that only requires one initial SMS verification on signup.
Since temporary numbers can only be used for a short duration, you’ll end up in a pickle if you use one of these numbers in signup, only to find that the same number needs to be used for two-factor authentication every time your child logs in.
Just make sure you understand how often the phone number will be required before you go any further.
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