CELL PHONES
WARNING SIGNS
As with email and other technology tools; messages, photos etc. are not lost in cyber space but are stored out there for someone to find, sometimes with damaging consequences.
• Does your teen have access to their phone at night? Are they text messaging, talking and staying up late?
• Cell phones can impact school work, extracurricular activities and behavior if not monitored appropriately.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS
Consider having your teen contribute
to the
financial cost of having a phone. Make them a part of the phone decision
including a written agreement of how the phone will be used, when the
phone will be used, and consequences for breaking these agreements with
you. Consider receiving a detailed billing statement from your carrier
to spot check usage dates and times, minutes, messages, photos used etc.
Better yet, if you can, go online and check!
Consider purchasing a cell phone option where your teen can call and receive calls only from specific phone numbers. This provides a safety net for your teen without opening them up to some of the detrimental uses of cell phones.
Take the cell phone away at night to help your teen have a restful evening. And remember, you are your teen’s first line of defense!
For more information
