Managing Cellphone Usage

Nowadays, teens and tweens alike have cell phones, which is both an added security for parents and a new distraction for your child. Whether you decide to allow your child to have a mobile device in high school or middle school, here’s a few important guidelines for managing cellphone usage for your child.

Establish set times for your child to access his or her cell phone. Rather than being connected with friends 24/7, along with the social pressure to reply immediately, disconnect your child by taking away his or her mobile device. This specified time can be during the evening hours, when your child is completing homework and winding down from the day. Return their mobile device in the morning, in order to establish communication throughout the day on their whereabouts.

Be aware of the cell phone policies at school. Read the school’s guidelines or discuss with the principal about the restrictions on cell phone usage. Each school has different rules for mobile devices on the grounds. The school may allow cell phones to be kept in backpacks or lockers, or they may be forbidden from the premises altogether. Establish rules for cell phone usage not only at home, but for school as well.

The newest technology can be expensive, so use caution when purchasing the latest model cell phone for your child. There’s a likely chance that your child may break or lose their new mobile device. Create ground rules for when this happens to teach about consequences.

Since most cell phones are now connected to the internet, you can use this opportunity to explain about online awareness. Discuss the dangers of sharing personal information on social networking sites and the importance of maintaining your privacy. With the advancement of technology, your child can also develop useful communication skills and learn new online applications. Download educational brain teasers and other puzzle apps onto their mobile device for easy accessibility.