Teenagers and cell phones

Let the battle begin, should teenagers have cell phones? Well, you’ll be pleased to know that over 94% of parents agree that cell phones are good for teens and that’s according to a survey conducted by AT&T with parents and teens in Los Angeles and New York. Most teens get their first cell phones at the age of 15, and in many cases 13. As with all modern conveniences, teens want them, but they must be used in practical ways.

The invoice

Paying for the cell phone is one thing, but the ongoing costs thereafter tend to create some friction in households. If you’re the parent who insists your son or daughter has a cell phone, it’s understandable to pay the bill once it’s within reason. Teens who insist on having a cell phone must pay part of the bill with the weekly allowance you give them. Teens left unattended on bill phones will go on a rampage and you will be the one to foot the bill. Even if you have the money to pay the bill monthly, no matter how high you have to draw the line, you may not always be there to pay it all. Prepaid cell phones are a good idea to keep costs down, calls are more expensive to make on these phones, but you can only make calls once you have credit. It’s a great way for teens to learn about financial management of their own bills.

Teens and camera phones:

Camera cell phones are more popular among teenagers for obvious reasons. It’s easy to use and play with and, let’s face it, they’re fun and harmless. There is one downside to having the camera phone and that is the ongoing cost. If the phone is prepaid, it’s simple, you can just text your friends’ pictures when you have the credit, but if the phone is tied to monthly bill payments, camera phones are by far the most expensive to operate. If your teen insists on texting via camera phone, why not encourage them to do so via email? Simply connect your phone to your PC via a USB cable (usually supplied with your phone), upload your photos, and with broadband in most areas email is much cheaper.

What are the main reasons parents offer cell phones to teenagers?

Knowing that your son or daughter is safe and sound is priceless. If they ever need your help, you are just a phone call away. With many teens driving, cell phones are a necessity, let’s face it, most can’t even change a flat tire. Remember that if you allow your teen to carry a cell phone in the car, make sure you or they purchase a hands-free kit or headset. Teenagers have so much to talk about and can get so involved in a conversation that the driving aspect takes a backseat. For a few bucks more, play it safe.

Trust your teen with cell phone:

We live in a world of technology and will continue to grow at a rapid rate, all teenagers are curious. Once you get past the bill payment argument, your teen will be fine, they may go over the top on the first bill or two, but by confiscating the cell phone for a day or two, you’ll soon be teaching them the importance of managing money . You will always know where they are and the sound of their voice on the other end of the phone will put your mind at ease.

Family Cell Phone Plans to Keep Costs Down:

Family plans from cell phone companies like AT&T are ideal if there is more than one cell phone in the home. Help keep costs down and maximize free talk time minutes per month. If one person is not using the free minutes, the other can do so before they are lost. Some cell phone companies are offering stackable minutes. Rollover minutes allow all the free minutes used from one month to carry over to the next so you don’t lose a thing. Cingular offered this and since they merged with AT&T, AT&T customers can also take advantage of this, remember you have a responsibility to ask them.