Cell Phone Rules for Teens

Before you give your teen a cell phone you need to realize that it can be an expensive new toy. Misuse of the phone for call or texting can cause serious conflict between you and your child. So before the problems arise you need to investigate plans, decide who will pay for what, and make rules regarding the use of the phone. While you will always have the monthly bill to read, planning in advance and making rules will help avoid many of the problems.

Be realistic

A teen and their phone are rarely apart. This means a lot of calls and a lot of texting. Like any new toy - and I do mean toy - it is fun to use with your friends. I bet your parents had issues with your use of the phone when you became a teen. Cell phones and texting are just an added new twist to an old problem. Teens love to spend hours on the phone. Even the most trustworthy conscientious teen is going to use the phone often. So get real. Cell phones are now a part of life and if your teen does not have an income you are going to foot the bill. You may want you teen to be able to pay for the phone with money they earn. I think that's an excellent idea. When they have to pay the bill they will be far more aware of the cost. But if they can't pay it one month you will have to because the phone is going to be in your name and if you are late it will affect your credit. Help your teen to chose an affordable plan and select the extras. Family plans are usually cheaper than individual plans. Include your teen in the process. Keep in mind that cell phones are also important to have in an emergency and most parents want their kids to have one. Pre paid phones my do the trick here too.

Texting can kill you

Texting is the first phone feature that can actually be responsible for the death of your child. Of course you will make a rule that they are not to text while driving. But enforcing that rule is impossible if they chose to do so. You will know the time of the texting from the bill. You will also see how often your teen is texting. Is it while they were in class? While driving home? The cost of texting can be high if you do not have an unlimited plan, but the cost can be very high if they are not paying attention in class or even higher if they are texting and driving. If your teen is not texting responsibly it is a feature you can have removed from the phone. I am sure the complaints will be extreme but this is a life and death issue and as a parent it is your responsibility to make decisions involving your child's safety. There is no essential reason for your child to text.

Lost and broken phones

Teens lose and break their phones easily and often. Avoid the fight, buy insurance. New features are coming out constantly and everyone wants the latest and greatest. Phones get very expensive when not purchased with a new plan. Prepare for this issue. Discuss in advance who will pay for lost or broken phones.

When used appropriately cell phones are an essential convenience in our lives. Don't let it become the basis for WWIII in your home. A little planning and forethought will go a long way to making cell phone use by your teen a safe and affordable gadget.