Teens and cell phones

Let the battle begin, should teens 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 an AT&T survey of parents and teens in Los Angeles and New York. Most teens get their first cell phones by the age of 15, and in many cases by age 13. As with all modern conveniences, teens want them, but they need to be used practically.

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 have a cell phone, it’s understandable that you’ll foot 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. Teenagers left unsupervised on bill phones will run rampant and you’ll be the one footing the bill. Even if you have the money to pay the bill each month, no matter how high you draw the line, you may not always be there to pay everything. 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 financial management from their own bills.

Teens and camera phones:

Camera cell phones are more popular among teens for obvious reasons. It’s easy to use and play with, and let’s face it, they’re fun and harmless. There is a 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’ photos 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 teens?

Knowing that your son or daughter is safe and sound is priceless. If they ever need your help, you’re just a phone call away. With many teens driving cell phones 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 the cell phone:

We live in a world of technology and it will continue to grow at a fast rate, all teenagers are curious. Once you get past the bill paying argument, your teen will be fine, they may go overboard on the first bill or two, but by confiscating the cell phone for a day or two, you’ll soon teach them the importance of managing money. . You’ll 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 household. Helps keep costs down and maximizes free talk time minutes per month. If one person isn’t using free minutes, the other can before they’re lost. Some cell phone companies are offering stackable minutes. Rollover minutes allow all used free minutes from one month to roll over to the next so you don’t lose anything. Cingular offered this and since they merged with AT&T, AT&T customers can take advantage of this too, remember it’s your responsibility to ask them.