We have the internet blocked since it costs for each picture or each minute of being online. So no worries there. Texting is enough.
Teenagers and cell phones
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We have the internet blocked since it costs for each picture or each minute of being online. So no worries there. Texting is enough.
I'll chime in here real quick on the subject. We need to drive home to them not to use the cell while driving. Use the hands free if you have to, or just pull over. And they need to be aware of the laws govening the misuse of the cell phones, etc.
Now if I can get my son to answer when I call, I will be happy.
And keep it charged! What's the use of having one if it's always dead!I'll chime in here real quick on the subject. We need to drive home to them not to use the cell while driving. Use the hands free if you have to, or just pull over. And they need to be aware of the laws govening the misuse of the cell phones, etc.
Now if I can get my son to answer when I call, I will be happy.
And keep it charged! What's the use of having one if it's always dead!
No kidding. I don't understand this either.
kkn, love this thread. what started out as a txting thread has turned into parents defending their kids rights to a cell phone. I don't think anyone here disputes the need for a cell phone in the event of an emergency or for communication to home/parents. it's about inappropriate use manners, afaik.
We played 7 Minutes in Heaven, when I was in High School, back in the olden days.
I guess if we had cell phones, my Mom would have called me and yelled, "get home now, you are late for curfew" instead of getting dressed, and coming to find me.:roll:
My daughter's use of her cell phone while in high school was like everything else we paid for, it came with restrictions we imposed and it was not open for discusssion and yes that included no calls or text messages after bedtime.
And my Mother's wish, that my daughter would grow up to act just like me, thank goodness did not happen.;-)
excellent post minnie. and funny as hail.totally agree!
I understand where scooter is coming from because the way cell phones are frequently used by both children and adults makes me just cringe. the self-importance thing scooter mentioned makes me friggin crazy to observe daily with people of all ages on cell phones. the very loud and obnoxious ring tones make me want to just scream at people for the attention getting noise pollution. we grew up very well without them, in a simpler time. we still communicated with our parents on a regular basis, we still had lots of safety rules, etc. and I did talk on the land line for hours on end, and my dad did pick it up and say "hang up!" more than once. or he picked it up when it rang after 9pm and wanted a good explanation for the late call from the person on the other end.
however, cell phones are an excellent technology to improve communication when we're apart from loved ones, friends, etc. it is not only an emergency thing by far. its rarely needed for such, I hope. communication is a good thing. its convenient. even necessary. actually, I think its a wonderful tool we have today and I am thankful for it.
its all in moderation, manners (parents need to become more aware of cell phone etiquette and then pass it on to the kiddies!!!), and how one conducts oneself including cell phone usage. no cell phones in restaurants, no cell phones in the classroom (how rude!), no cell phone noise that can disturb others - I mean, our old timey manners can easily extend to cell phone use. its really common sense.
I have seen a very few people who are completely dependent on cell phone use throughout the day as if they could not possibly live or be secure in themselves without it. very sad to see this. but this isn't because of cell phones. its because they need something to help them feel more whole - and its not a new kind of mental problem, and its not because of a cell phone. the cell phone is only a symptom.
I think the fascination with cell phones will pass (like our rep system), and people will return to their common sense and manners. and parents will insist their children use a cell phone and any other tool with respect and moderation, and hopefully as a tool that will enhance (not replace) communication with loved ones throughout their lives.
and we haven't even touched on the necessity of cell phones for business. teen cell phone use is the very tip of the iceburg. I believe its important that we learn and teach our children common sense and knowledge in the use of the technological devices. its a skill that they need to learn well for success.
there is no going back to the old ways. thankfully.
when should a child be given a cell phone? well, I used to think never. I thought it was so feeding into the materialistic nation we live in. and in some ways it may be. what the kid wants the kids gets, that kind of thing.
every family has a different situation, the children have different levels of responsibility, personalities, the parents work and children are often more independent than we used to be. the world is a different place. our routines include more travel, more soccer, more everything it seems. if a cell phone is needed to stay in touch then that is a wonderful tool. when used appropriately. heck, I want to keep all technology out of my kids hands until he's grown. let him be a child with his attention on more creative endeavors. but that's not realistic. nor is it responsible.
so, I think its definitely up to the parents to make those decisions about when a child or teen is ready to handle cell phone responsibilities. and then it comes with rules, as many of you stated above.
every family has a different situation, the children have different levels of responsibility, personalities, the parents work and children are often more independent than we used to be. the world is a different place. our routines include more travel, more soccer, more everything it seems. if a cell phone is needed to stay in touch then that is a wonderful tool. when used appropriately. heck, I want to keep all technology out of my kids hands until he's grown. let him be a child with his attention on more creative endeavors. but that's not realistic. nor is it responsible.
so, I think its definitely up to the parents to make those decisions about when a child or teen is ready to handle cell phone responsibilities. and then it comes with rules, as many of you stated above.
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I agree Tootsie, every child is different. Sam got one when she started being away from home more. Actually, my brother bought Sam a prepaid phone for Christmas one year without asking me.:shock: ( yeah, I know..) She was in sixth grade. I would have waited until 7th. Anyway, we still have that phone and I keep it active for Dylan to use occasionally. When he walks to a friends house or is playing outside on the school grounds ( not far from our house) it's so nice to be able to call him and tell him to come home rather than go outside call his name and then walk to the school and try to find him. He just never pays attention to the time like Sam did. I could tell Sam to be home at 6:00 and she would be there. Dylan gets loses track of time. He's not really irresponsible he just isn't thinking. ???? Having the phone on him is a good thing for me. AS LONG AS he remembers to turn it on!
I'm surprised this thread is still going! Obviously, I'm not the only one that has struggles with the use of cell phones. Kat. (the person of whom this thread was started) is still turning in her phone on school nights but can keep it on the weekends. I'm thinking there needs to be a book written on cell phone etiquette. Any authors out there There are adults that I've been sitting down and having dinner with that will get a text or call and will answer and carry on a conversation right at the table. 
Now, I don't have a problem when an emergency comes up or something important happens, but if it were me I would excuse myself and take care of such text or call.
Not only children but adults also need some lessons on good cell phone manners.
There are adults that I've been sitting down and having dinner with that will get a text or call and will answer and carry on a conversation right at the table. Now, I don't have a problem when an emergency comes up or something important happens, but if it were me I would excuse myself and take care of such text or call. Not only children but adults also need some lessons on good cell phone manners.
My step boys have a phone they share for emergency situations only. They take it to school with them, when they visit their mother (she's the only one who has abused the privilage of the kids phone)..Kids take care of it, keep it charged and have been very responsible with it. The boys are 10 and 12 years old.