Parent Planning for Kid Cell Phones

It is hard as a parent to set rules for cell phone usage for your children. Heck, its hard to decide when is the right time to give them a phone! In this article I will explore the variables that go into making the right decision for your child. Every case is different.

It is important to analyze the role of cell phones in the parents' lives before we assess the role it will play in a child's life. Parents should consider how much they rely on cellular devices for day-to-day tasks and communications. Our society has evolved, evolved so much that 75% of children, ages 11-13, have a cellular phone! While an important decision is when and which device to give your child, the most important question is what is your parenting plan?

While your household isn't a business, it's good to think out guidelines, if-then scenarios, limits, and discipline. Like most of parenting, leading by example is how your child will ultimately learn to use their phone. Are you the parent still carrying around the original Nokia, call and text only, or are you the always on the BlackBerry solving an issue, participating in conference calls, and scheduling meetings? I am in no way saying either is bad, it is a point of introspection; what will my child learn from me? Your habits and phone manners will become theirs.

Now that we've established the role your cell phone plays in your day to life, we can explore a parenting plan, or philosophy, that adults in your household will set for your child.

Parenting Plan Points:

• Are cell phones always allowed to be on in the house? -Considerations: dinner, homework time, bed time, and family time

• Will we teach phone etiquette? -When to answer the phone -Excusing yourself from the room or table -Texting while others are talking to you

• What should a kid cell phone be used for? -Calling certain people -Entertainment -Music -Games -All communications

• Who does the cell phone belong to? -Do you give it to your child only when there are situations that necessitate a cell phone? -Are they responsible for replacing it if lost, stolen, or broken? -Family phone - given to those who have a reason to use it?

• Will parents participate in same rules? -Explaining the difference of parental usage versus their privileges

• Privileges -Part of allowance - prepaid minutes -How to earn more privileges -What loses privileges -At which age does it become their financial obligation

These are just a few suggestions. Each kid and situation are different. These are good for somewhere to start when making decisions about your parenting plan.

Jen is interested in exploring the many aspects of kid cell phones. While she has an opinion of her own, she is interested in research and interviews to find good methods for introducing this new technology to the next generation.