Having teens and cell phones is nothing new in our home. We currently have two teens with phones, but our oldest who had her first phone many years back helped pave the way. We quickly discovered what works for one child does not always work for another. Rules need to be clear and followed at all times. Parents need to give their teens privacy but at the same time be aware of what is happening on social media and with texting. Teens can quickly get into the wrong situation when it comes to having a phone. So be prepared!
Rules are not the only thing I found that vary from teen to teen. Phone plans easily change with each child’s needs. We first started off with a plan and soon regretted it. The bill was huge and we then moved our daughter over to a pay as you go option. Now there are so many ‘unlimited plans’ available, there is way more flexibility. However I still like pay as you go for teens. It sets limits with data, texting and calls. MUCH easier for parents to set limits. Down side is, no print out bill (so you can not see who or when your child is texting or calling) Before getting your teen their first phone, consider the plan they will need and the rules you will have in place.
Now our 14 and 16 year olds both have phones and have for a while. Some parents do not agree with giving teens phones, but I think it is important they have one. Have you tried looking for a pay phone lately? Almost impossible to find one that works. And who carries change to actually use them? Cell phones are a convenient way to keep your independent teen safe when they are out and about. Always be able to reach your child when needed no matter where they are (cell phone range is better every year). Having a phone allows them freedom but also is good for emergencies. We encourage them to use the free WiFi when out as well.
My boys were both due for an upgrade on their phones. They had both had them a couple of years and they were pretty beat up. So When I was sent a Lumia 830 I gave it to one of them to use.
This was not my sons first Windows phone. He previously had a Nokia phone and was pretty much use to how it worked. He says this one has a better camera that takes clearer pictures. Great for teens wanting to share pics on social media and texting. So often he has sent me a text showing me a shirt he wants or even a funny selfie. He said the battery life is really good. Lasts all day with normal use after one charge. It was easy to learn how to navigate and use. He said he was happy that it is quite durable as he has dropped it a couple times. There was no damage and still works great! The app store has lots of games but is a bit different than other phones being Windows. There are not as much apps as you may find with other phones, but still good for what he needs.
Microsoft Devices conducted a nation-wide survey on the perceptions Canadians have on kids and smartphones. Did you know that most Canadians don’t think kids under 15 should have a smartphone? Or that if you’ve got kids, you’re more likely (61% versus 50%) to say kids can use smartphones responsibly if given enough instruction and guidelines for use?
To fuel the conversation, parenting experts, Maureen Dennis and Kathy Buckworth provided some golden tips on smartphone etiquette and parenting. Their findings are below in an infographic.
When it comes to giving your child their first phone, there are lots of things to consider. Are they old enough? Will they be responsible? Are phones safe for kids to have? Below you can read some tips to help you with your decision.
Tips for Parents Considering a Phone For a Child
1. Don’t over-buy. Pick a phone with functions for your child’s needs and not more.
2. Put limits on data, voice and text so surprise bills don’t happen.
3. Consider a pre-paid phone for budgeting purposes.
4. Set and enforce family expectations on appropriate use – i.e. not at meal times, not when it is disrespectful, never when driving, or when your attention should be elsewhere. Lead by example.
5. Consider a “no-phones- in-bedrooms” rule so kids don’t lose sleep texting all night.
6. Know your school’s phone policies.
7. Teach your kids to protect their smartphone from theft; install a password to prevent others from getting access to their information.
8. Explain what will happen if the phone is lost or broken through misuse; the repercussions of running up huge bills (if no limits are installed).
9. Talk openly about sharing on social media and good boundaries, such as limiting photo-sharing and being smart about personal information.
10. Let them know the phone is a privilege; abuse the privilege and it can go away at any time.
Do you have any tips to add?
Sounds like a great phone for kids to get started with! My first phone was a Nokia when I was a teenager…it was a great phone too! Did everything I needed it to at that age 🙂
It's so hard to walk that fine line between privacy and keeping an eye on your kid to make sure they're safe. Great tips here, both to help keep your kids safe, and to help prevent those huge surprise bills.
My recent post Made Good Granola BALLS, Best Thing Ever {Review}
It surprises me that there are still parents out there that think a kid shouldn't have a smartphone until they're 15 years of age or older. I get that phones can be pricey, but there are so many ways that a smartphone would be helpful, especially since its so hard to find a pay phone these days! Totally agree that the phone should be prepaid though! I have horror stories galore of overage charges, and that's from adult users, forget kids who don't really think to hard about spending money.
My recent post Donât Let Winter Take a Bite Out of Your Skin
These are great tips for responsible use of the phones. Our boys are young yet, but the 2 older ones have our old phones with no data plan. But we are teaching them some basic rules and proper ways to use the phones. I think instilling good rules from the get go is key. Oh and being ready to pull the phone (or whatever the consequence is deemed appropriate in your house), is very important as well.
Those are all amazing tips actually. I think using a phone responsibly is very important! I love that your son says the battery life on this phone is really good. I might have to check it out because I am so sick of my phones dieing so darn quickly. I also need a phone with a good camera, so this sounds great.
I don't really have any tips to add. My kids are too young for phones, however, I think all of the tips listed are great! I especially like the social media discussion as sharing on the internet is essentially forever and we need to ensure that our children are being appropriate.
My recent post Beat the Winter Blues- 5 Great Tips to Maintain a Great Mood
These are really good points Kim. I agree with not buying the fanciest of phones, can you imagine how you (and they) would feel if it breaks or gets lost??? I think setting boundaries is important too. We have a no electronics rule at restaurants.