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I want a Cell Phone Dad
Submitted by eric on Tue, 23/10/2007 - 10:03pm
My eldest (now 14) got a cell phone (low tech one) when she started high school, but as it turned out she has (at this time) no use for a cell phone, so no longer has one. So I ask myself will my son use it as what a cell phone was originally designed for a mobile form of communication, or will he use it download games and use it as a mobile gaming device? His mother already brought him a Portable Playstation does he really need such a high tech mobile phone (information on G3 from wikiepedia) When I was researching the web for more information on cell phones for young teens, I found that “Parenting experts” say that children as young as 13 should be disciplined enough to keep track of their cell phone use. Ok that’s ok my son is going to be 13 I see cell phones for Teens a luxury item, I guess other parents may view them as necessities in this day and age. Cell phone allow parents to keep tabs on their teens especially as the teen explores their independence or just simply get in contact with the teen, when ever needed, I must say that when my eldest had one it was great to be able to call her on her own mobile, knowing I was going to get her on the phone. Whether the cell phone is a luxury item or necessity, it is vitally important, then, that teens know how to handle a cell phone responsibly. Cell phones can be helpful in teaching teens the virtue of time management. If they have a plan with a limited number of free minutes during the day, they’ll need to learn how to use their “Talk Time” minutes wisely. In addition, if they share a plan with you, they’ll also need to learn how to show respect to others (YOU). Needless to say, a teen with a cell phone will also need to learn effective money management techniques. While cell phones can be a very convenient why to be in contact with others, they can become expensive, depending on when and how they’re used. Parents will then need to decide between a Pay as you go plan (PrePaid Credit) or a plan provided by the telecommunications company with a monthly fee, normally comes with some free minutes and free text messages. The teen should then pay for any add-ons, like ring-tones, games and other features available beyond the basic function of a phone. If the teen looses the phone, they should then pay to replace the phone, in this way the teen would need to learn to be as responsible as possible with the cell phone. Some are so small they could fit in a coin pocket, so could be easily lost. RULES One very important rule is that Teens should also be aware of the fact that, if they fail to answer calls from their parents, they could find their cell phone privileges taken away. Be prepared to carry this out, you may need to carry this out several times. Such rules may seem unnecessarily harsh, but they can be quite helpful in helping to maintain family harmony over the long term. So what are the pros and cons? PROS: CONS: Conclusion: Does anyone want to share your views on cell phone for chidren? For example what age is the right age for a child to have a cell phone? What rules (if any) do you have in place? - Eric 
 
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My Son (number 2 of my 3 children) turns 13 this weekend, and like my first I am stuck with what to get him, I asked him what he wanted “a G3 Cell Phone dad”
Hi Dave Love the three rules
Hi Dave
Love the three rules of play:
- Everybody has fun
- Nobody gets hurt
- Nothing gets broken
Very simple and it would make the world a happier place
I may have to employ that in my life I think ;-)
Thanks
Eric
Ground rules for young
Ground rules for young users. That's a hard one, in that it's difficult to lay down rules for a 16yo unless you have buy-in, and the 12yo mistakenly believes that he has the same rights and entitlements as the 16yo.
The only rule we have stipulated is that if they're out at night, they need to have their phone on them, respond if contacted, and if there's a change in agreed plans, they need to contact us ASAP.
We haven't made any other rules, as we haven't had the need -- I like the we-won't-regulate-unless-required approach that encourages responsible thought and action. However, should the need arise (ie we become aware of txt bullying, pornography, illegal activity etc) we'll step in and regulate at that stage.
The kids have grown up with the three rules of play, which are simple enough to guide one through life:
- Everybody has fun
- Nobody gets hurt
- Nothing gets broken
Should regulation be necessary, it's unlikely that anyone would be surprised by the outcome.
The world would be a much happier place if only nations followed these rules.
THX 4 DA RPLY LOL I did
THX 4 DA RPLY LOL
I did imagine that once kids get into texting with their mates that they would end up texting late into the night, which I guess is when I would lay down the ground rules.
Thank you very much for the comment, I see that a child has to start sometime with owning a cell phone, I like the idea of buying cheap and letting them work for the more high tech models.
Do you have any ground rules for cell phone use for your 2 young users?
Cel f0nz r gr8. Our 16yo
Cel f0nz r gr8. Our 16yo can't live without it. We know if he's ever in trouble he can just txt us and we'll ring him back. When he goes out at night and he's late for some reason he'll always txt us first. It's a good, non-intrusive way to maintain contactability without being in-your-face.
We just bought our 12yo one for his birthday. He's been capable of taking the bus all over town on his own for several years, but we've never felt quite comfortable in case he got stuck somewhere. Now that's no longer a problem, and he can be independent but with a backstop that we'll always be contactable if he needs us. We told him that we would fund him for the cheapest model, but if he wanted something a bit more flash he'd have to save up for it. He took the cheapie, which is just fine.
We have noticed a couple of problems. The 16yo does stay up late at night txting his mates, and it can impact sleep quantity and quality if people are constantly txting you through the night. That's hard to regulate. I've txted him more than once telling him to go to sleep already!
Also, the 12yo did have a hand-me-down phone for a few weeks last year -- before he put it through the wash -- that was the end of that. (By the way, I've since learned that the thing to do in this case is to take the battery out, re-wash the phone in distilled water, and then let it dry out for a week in the sun). So you always run the risk that they're not old enough to look after the gear properly.
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