Virtual Coach » Responsible cell phone and mobile phone usage for kids

Responsible cell phone and mobile phone usage for kids

March 15, 2008 Barbara One comment

So your teenager has

begged and pleaded and finally compelled you to get a mobile phone! While it’s super your kids can now reach you at a moment’s notice….have you discussed responsible cell phone usage with them?

I implore you, if not….DO SO!! Cell phones in school can be used for bullying, inappropriate picture-taking, stalking and more. When I got my teen a cell phone, it was with the understanding that texting is OUT, chatspeak is OUT, sending photos is OUT, receiving photos is OUT…it’s there solely for emergency use. Hey, perhaps I’m a draconian parent….I much prefer my kid to gain first maturity and experience in life prior to surrendering her social outlets to ascii characters delivered on a phone.

There are good articles about responsible cell phone use! Consider:

The temptation for kids to surreptitiously take photos via their camera phone and otherwise invade privacy can be overwhelming at times. Remind your kids that just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

When I got my kid a cell phone, I wrote up a contract and had said child sign it. Making them take ownership of their responsibilities can really help in teaching them acceptable behavior.

Enjoy,

Barbara

ps – if you’re looking for a cost-conscious mobile phone…

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