We just answered a question on teenagers and cell phones. Here are some suggestions for ways to help your child get the most out of their cell phone!
- Decide what limits you think are appropriate. Limits might include number of text messages per month, time limits, technology free times and places, cell phone etiquette etc. You might want to write them down before discussing them with your child.
- Discuss your proposed ground rules and limits with your child. Listen to her point and view and be willing to negotiate while remembering that you have the final say.
- Let your child know what the consequences will be if the ground rules are violated.
- If your child does not follow the ground rules your job is to follow through on the consequences. You might consider confiscating the cell phone for a period of time, lengthening the time if there are repeated offenses. Make sure she knows that she has chosen the consequence by her behavior.
- Make sure you follow and support his school’s cell phone policies.
- Take advantage of Parental Controls. Make sure that you tell your child that you will be using parental controls simply to periodically verify that he is using the phone responsibly, not to "spy" on him.
- Consider creating a "digital curfew." At 10 pm, cell phones and laptops come out of the room and into a basket. They will still be there in the morning!
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