LEARNING how to choose the right mobile phone plan will be taught with numeracy and literacy in schools.
Students in years 5 to 8 will learn the pitfalls of mobile phone ownership, thanks to a series of web-based multimedia activities from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
The activities have been developed as part of ASIC's MoneySmart Teaching program.
ASIC deputy chair Peter Kell said that as mobile phone use grew, it was important children were aware of the potential dangers.
The activities are based on real-life scenarios of financial and security issues.
One scenario involves students trying to keep their usage within a plan. In another, students have to match four different teens with the right plan.
"It is a very different world in that money is far less tangible these days," Mr Kell said.
"You don't learn about it in terms of having it in your wallet.
"In effect, it seems easier to access it and spend it. It's all the more important that this becomes part and parcel of the way we educate kids."
About 22 per cent of nine to 11-year-olds and 73 per cent of 12 to 14-year-olds have mobile phones, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Mr Kell said there were nine activities on mobile phones on the MoneySmart website, aiming to teach kids:
HOW to choose the right phone plan;
THE cost of uploading videos and downloading pictures on social media;
HOW to identify advertising techniques used to promote mobile phone plans;
HOW to pick a scam and where to go for help;
HOW calls, SMS, voicemail, social media, internet and downloads use credit.
MoneySmart is part of the Federal Government's Helping Our Kids Understand Finances initiative to improve financial literacy in schools.
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