Why Isn’t A Mobile Phone An Appropriate Personal Duress and Safety Device? 

by Josh Biggs in Tech on 7th November 2021

One of the greatest inventions of man in recent times is the mobile phone. Mobile phones have greatly improved the way we communicate and correspond. Asides from communication, mobile phones also have a lot of functions. They can function as alarms, for making music, preparing documents as well as taking notes. One thing that mobile phones do not function optimally as, is as a personal duress and safety device.  

Four Reasons Why Mobile Phones Are Not Appropriate Safety Devices

There are a number of reasons why mobile phones are not the best option when it comes to personal duress. Below are four such reasons.

  • They Do Not Have Dedicated Buttons: Most personal safety devices usually have dedicated distress buttons, that you can access with a single touch to get messages across to the appropriate parties. This is something that most mobile phones today lack, as they are touchscreen devices. Sending out a distress alert with a mobile phone usually involves a longer process. Typically, this involves unlocking the phone, finding the contact before dialing the number to call, and explaining the situation. It might even be a long process if you have to send a text. In the same vein, finding an app will take a few minutes. 
  • Lack of Discretion: Discretion is very important when it comes to personal safety. Mobile phones are not very discrete and they can get you in more trouble in a case of personal duress. In a situation where your safety is threatened, pulling out your phone to send your message can trigger the threat. The sounds and light from your phone can draw attention to you and put you in more danger. This is not the case with a regular personal safety device, as they have dedicated distress buttons that can be operated blindly. This means that you can send out a duress alarm without attracting attention to yourself.
  • Durability: Most mobile phones available today lack an important feature of effective personal safety devices, which is durability. With these phones being touchscreen devices that are made of glass, it does not take too much for them to be shattered in a high-risk situation. With a broken screen, there is not much you can do quickly, in the way of making a call or sending a text out. A dedicated personal safety device on the other hand is sturdy and designed to withstand tough conditions. 
  • Cellular Reception: Most mobile phones require the use of cellular networks to make call and send messages. While cellular coverage is quite widespread, there are still some areas where it does not get to. This can be a real problem in the case that you are in duress. A dedicated personal safety device is a better option in this regard, as most of them work with both cellular and satellite networks.

Conclusion

Your mobile phone is highly functional and can help you get a lot of tasks done on the go. However, it is not a personal safety device as the shortcomings listed above show. Get a dedicated personal safety device instead for the best results.

Categories: Tech

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