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Cell phones Establishing the rules When Kate Kelly, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Parenting a Teenager,” speaks to groups of parents, the biggest complaint she hears about cell phones is: “I gave him a phone so I could get in touch with him, but he never picks up the phone when I call.” Kelly, the mother of two adult daughters and a 16-year-old daughter, believes that cell phones are a privilege. “If they aren’t answering the phone when the parent calls, then the phone should be taken away for a limited and specified period of time,” she says. “With privilege comes responsibility.” Michael H. Popkin, author of “52 Weeks of Active Parenting,” suggests using a written agreement to be signed by both parent and child. Here are a few areas to consider: • Usage limit. Go over your cell-phone plan with your child and determine how many minutes/dollars are allowed per month. Decide what you will pay for and what your child is expected to cover. • Phone curfew. “No phone calls may be made or received after 10 p.m.,” for example. • No phone use during class time. Many schools have this policy, but it’s helpful for parents to reinforce the rule. (That goes for text messaging, too. In fact, some schools have reported students cheating on tests via text-messaging – another reason for the ban.) • Respect privacy. No taking pictures or recording conversations without someone’s knowledge. • No cell-phone use while riding in the car with mom or dad. This is a time for family members to catch up with each other. • No cell phone use while driving, or riding with a friend who is using a cell phone while driving. Parents of teens should make this potentially live-saving rule very clear. |
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