Teens and Cell Phones
Jan 28th, 2010 by Dr. Paul
In this age of information, communication, and technology, mobile phones have become an undeniable part of our culture and lifestyle.
Relationships with friends become extremely important to teens – staying connected with those friends often happens through the cell phone. Many teens use their phone more for texting than they do for actual conversation. Parents will benefit from being educated about the technology and finding ways to incorporate it into their paradigm rather than resisting it.
Having a cell phone is a privilege, not a right. Teens who have grown up around and into this technology may begin to feel an entitlement to it. Their appreciation and proper use of the technology will be enhanced as they earn the privilege of having a cell phone, including paying for the cost.
Parents have a responsibility to talk to their teens about the appropriate and inappropriate use of a cell phone and other technology. Cell phone carriers can assist parents in letting them know what they can do to monitor and place limits on usage.
I have been really interested in what is appropriate for kids/teens with technology lately, so thank you for this! I’m also curious, what are your thoughts on age appropriateness of facebook? I have a 10 year old sister in law who just joined facebook, and my husband’s cousin has a daughter who is five years old and just joined facebook also–I was really shocked! I would love to hear what you think about this as well.