5 Rules for Teenagers Using Cell Phones

One of the best things you can do for your teenager is to get them a cell phone. Cell phones allow you to get into contact with your child at anytime. Most cell phones also have a GPS to see the exact location of your child and where calls are made from. Today, cell phones are very common whereas a few decades ago, they were considered a luxury item. Teenagers take this to a new extreme and run up the phone bill with excessively long phone calls, constant texting and expensive downloads. The easiest way to save your money is to sign up for unlimited texting in a family plan. Furthermore, a few rules for your teenager to follow will reduce stress and conflicts.

5 Rules:

1. Total talking on the phone should be less than one hour each day. If your child is on the phone for more than an hour, you need to question who your teen is talking with. Excessively long phone calls are not necessary and can be saved for school or when they get together with friends in person.

2. Answer all parents' phone calls, an absolute must. That is the main purpose for a teenager to have a cell phone.

3. Call parents to check in. The cell phone privilege is a two-way street, and should be expected your child calls you to explain their plans, when to be picked up, or the time they will be home.

4. Pay for overage charges. Make sure your child understands how many minutes and texts they can do before you rack up overage charges. Once they understand this, it should be their responsibility to not go over their amount. When they do go past their limit, they are the ones to be held responsible to pay for the extra charges. If they cannot do so, make a system of chores or duties to tend to so that they are not evading their responsibility of becoming a young adult. They should be taught not to take for granted, that everything has to be paid for and debts need to always be paid back.

5. Never use cell phones when driving. The single most cause for motorcar accidents is teenagers talking and texting on their cell phones causing them to not pay full attention to the road ahead. No call or message is so urgent it needs to be attended to when operating a vehicle. Answering all parents' phone calls rule can be slightly bent in this situation.