Cell Phone Etiquette 101: What Parents Should Teach Their Kids

If you have recently decided that the pros of purchasing a cell phone for your child outweigh the cons, you have probably either already bought a phone or are researching various phone plan options. Before you send your child out into the world with this mobile communication device, however, a little home training may be in order. I like to refer to this as "Cell Phone Etiquette 101," a candid discussion that prepares your child to use a cell phone respectfully and responsibly. Below are some key points that I highly recommend you address during this discussion:

1. Cell phones should be kept on "vibrator" or "silent" when in public settings such as schools, hospitals, movie theaters and similar places where silence is requested or required. You may think your child already knows this basic tidbit of information, but you might be unpleasantly surprised if footage of him or her was captured on hidden camera and then played back for you. Each day, annoying ring tones interfere with classroom instruction, people's enjoyment of the Arts, and a host of other activities. While some kids find this amusing or entertaining, it's not funny at all for most of the people around them.

2. There is a time to answer a cell phone, and a time not to answer one. Some people - not just kids - instinctively reach to answer a cell phone each time it rings. They may be in an important meeting or an intimate gathering with friends or loved ones, yet the very moment their cell phone rings they completely lose their manners and answer without giving it a second thought. If these issues are addressed early on with children, there is a greater likelihood that they will exercise better judgement with their cell phone use when they become adults. Just be carefully with this one, as kids have a way of taking what you say and gladly using it against you when the opportunity arises. Which brings me to my next point:

3. You should always be able to reach your child in case of an emergency. In case you think that enforcing point #2 will backfire as your child intentionally neglects to answer the phone when you call them, you may want to create a system whereby they know it is imperative that they answer their phone or call you back immediately. For example, you can agree on a standard emergency text message such as such as "911" or something comparable to let them know that you mean business.

4. Cell phones should not be used during family time. This includes family dinners, movie nights, and any other activities that are designed for family members to connect and enjoy being together. A child may feel like he or she is participating in these activities just by being physically present. This however is not the case, and children should be taught to show respect for family members and the time spent with them. This will help them tremendously as they transition into adulthood and form intimate relationships with other people.

5. Personal information should not be discussed on a cell phone when one is out in public. Teach this to your child for safely reasons if nothing else. Your child should not be discussing where they are getting ready to go, what time they'll be leaving, how much money they have on them or any other information that might make them easy prey for someone with intent to do them hard. Even if it appears that they are alone in a public setting, there may be someone lurking nearby who can hear every word that they are saying.

6. Cell phones should not be used while driving. While this may be a given to some people, teens often follow their peers any unfortunately, their peers may not always make the best decisions. The dangers of using a cell phone while driving are pretty well-known, but re-emphasize these to your teen and encourage them to pull over if they receive or must make an emergency call. It may even be advisable to purchase an earpiece that is compatible with your teen's cell phone in case an emergency arises and pulling over is not feasible.

Most importantly, it is critical that as a parent you always practice what you preach. The old saying, "Do as I say and not as I do" doesn't go over very well with today's generation of youth. Make certain that you are leading by example at all times, because your children are always watching!