Cell Phone Rules

Cell phones…have they changed your life? They surely have changed the lives our kids lead. Many parents have a love-hate relationship with cell phones, and managing their use has caused many a family argument. Lately I’ve run into more and more parents who say, with a little bit of pride “I think my son is the only one in his middle school that doesn’t have a cell phone.” I say bravo to parents who can withstand the pressure for this expensive device! And there comes a time when it’s probably a good idea to yield. There is lots of room for individual preference and values to play into this decision.

While cell phones can help you stay connected with your child and have obvious benefits in an emergency, they also have a downside. Kids are texting as much as some are breathing, it seems, creating a need for some guidance and guidelines. Before you give your teenager a cell phone, lay out clearly and explicitly your rules and expectations.
One smart mom I know sent me a copy of the cell phone rules that were agreed to in her family so I can share them with you. (I’ve crossed out the specifics of the payment because I think that is your personal choice.) Here is a copy of her agreement for your consideration:

CELL PHONE RULES

The cell phone is chiefly for communication between Sara and Mom/Dad, and for emergencies. Secondary purposes are calling and texting with friends. Web Surfing has been disabled.

Use of cell phone assumes that you regularly perform your chores around the house:

–Cell phone will not be used during meals, homework or family time.
–No calls/texts after 9pm unless they are to Mom/Dad.
–Phone will be kept in the kitchen, turned off and charging, from 9 pm till morning.
–When at home, the regular phone will be used instead of cell phone to make calls.
–If asked to get off cell phone, must do so immediately, without complaining.
–All school rules about cell phone use will be followed. At school, phone will be in backpack, turned off.
–Turn phone to vibrate in quiet places: church, movie theatres, concerts, etc.
–A friend may borrow the phone to place a call, if necessary, but will return the phone immediately.
–Do not download or subscribe to anything, or enable/disable features on phone without permission.
–When out of the house, always have cell phone turned on so Mom/Dad can reach you if needed. If on the phone with someone else, hang up, and answer Mom/Dad. (Call waiting should always be enabled.)
–If phone gets lost, tell parents immediately, to avoid someone making expensive calls on your phone. Parents will call the phone company and report the phone as lost or stolen.

MISUSE:
I will not talk or send text messages about people in a way that hurts them or their reputation.
I will not pass along or give any other support to a hurtful message sent to me about someone else.
I will not use my phone to share photos that could embarrass me or others now or in the future.
I will not share photos of other people without their permission.

KEEPING SAFE
–If I’m uncomfortable with anything on my phone, I will talk to my parents about it.
–I will not talk or text with anyone I don’t know; I will tell my parents if a stranger tries to contact me.
–I will not use my phone to arrange meeting with anybody I don’t know.
–Dad/Mom can review text messages, phone call log and contact list at anytime.

COST
Mom/Dad will pay:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sara will pay for text messaging:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sara will pay for any texts and voice minutes over the allowable monthly amounts.

What kind of rules do you have? What other good ideas would you like to share? Pass them along….