5 Cell Phone Rules to Set for Your Teen

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There used to be a time when if a teenager wanted to talk on the telephone, they
either had to use the one that was in common areas (like the living room or kitchen) or
hope that their parents would surprise them with one for a milestone birthday like 16 or
18.

Yes, that’s a tale that’s almost light years old because these days, kids as young as
10 (sometimes even younger) have them now. Just because technology has changed
the times, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some “parental guidance instructions” that
should still apply, though.

If your teen has a cell phone, and you’re wondering what some of the best rules to
implement are when it comes to using it, here are five below.

There’s a time and a place for everything. Some kids have their
phone on them at all times. More times than not, it’s not totally necessary for them to,
especially if they are in the house. Make sure that you designate times when the phone
can (and should) be used and times when it shouldn’t. In class, during homework (unless
it’s to discuss homework) or after bedtime are three times when it needs to be turned
off.

Cell phones are not for talking on all day long. Even when
teenagers are not in school or studying, that doesn’t mean that they need to be on the
phone all day with their friends, either. This particular rule is age-sensitive (meaning
someone 13 needs stricter guidelines than someone who is 17), but be sure to sit down
with your teen to discuss times when they can talk to/text their friends and times when it
should be put on silent or vibrate.

There doesn’t need to be a passcode on it. This particular rule
is controversial with some parents just because they don’t want to feel like they are
invading their children’s privacy. But remember, although you may have a very amicable
relationship with your teen, that doesn’t negate the fact that you are still responsible
for their safety and well-being. That said, a lot of cell phones have an option where
people can put passcodes on it to prevent other people from getting access to the
content that is on their phone. If your teen wants to create one to prevent people from
school, work, etc. from getting the information that’s on it, that’s fine, but make sure that
you have it. If once you present that being a priority, they take issue with it,
that’s actually a reason to discuss the matter further. There’s a not-so-fine line between
wanting to be private and having something to hide. Discern which issue is the case with
your teen.

They need to take care of it. Cell phones are not the most
inexpensive item in the world and so therefore, make sure to discuss with your teenager
the importance that comes with taking care of it. Encourage them to keep it out of
wet places (is there really a reason to take a cell phone into the bathroom or to the
swimming pool?), to disconnect it from the charger once the battery is full (this helps to
extend the battery’s shelf life), to keep their cell phone screen protector clean and to be cautious about
not dropping it. A lot of parents believe that if a teenager helps to pay for certain things,
they will appreciate it more. If you don’t want them to pay for their entire monthly bill (or

they share a plan with you), at least consider having them pay for the monthly insurance
fee (which is usually no more than about ten bucks)…just in case they don’t keep this
rule and it ends up needing to be replaced. It will encourage them to take better care of it
next time…since it’s partially coming out of their pocket (or allowance).

Remind them that a cell phone is a privilege. Just because a lot of
people have cell phones, that doesn’t mean it’s a person’s right to have one.
After discussing these rules with your teen, be sure to also remind them that you are
willing to take the phone from them for a season if it proves to be more of a hindrance
than a help. It’s a good way for them to take the rules seriously, while also appreciating
the privilege that comes with having a cell phone in the first place.