Should Teens Carry Cell Phones?

Author: Alyice Edrich

Wireless Phone Services are “all the rage” with teenagers, but should teens be allowed to carry cell phones? That’s the controversial question many parenting experts can’t seem to agree on.

In the past, parents gave their teenage children spare change and asked them to check in from time to time, but payphones are no longer a reliable source of communication.

Use of Payphones

As cell phone usage increases, it’s becoming harder than ever to find working payphones parents feel comfortable allowing their children to use. Today’s payphones come with many problems, problems which prevent teens from calling home. Problems, such as being:

in dark, unlit areas;
in unsafe part of towns (or the street);
broken;
out of order; or
filthy—carrying with it many germs.

And even if teens happened upon a safe, inviting payphone, there’s no guarantee they haven’t lost or used the change meant to call home with.

Tight Leash, Spoiled Brats, Or Smart Parents?

Some experts attribute the rise in cell phone usage to paranoid parents who want to place tight leashes on their children, but after speaking with several mothers of teens with cell phones, it’s obvious that’s not the case. The rise in teen cell phone usage has come about as a way for parents to loosen the reigns while gaining peace of mind. With cell phone in hand, teens are given more independence, more flexibility, and more trust.

Getting a cell phone for their daughter was “her father’s idea,” says Pamela Sitton, a freelance writer from Lenexa, Kansas. “I was initially opposed. I didn’t feel it was necessary for a twelve-year-old girl to have a cell phone. In fact, I thought the idea was ridiculous. However, after she got it, I really began to see the value. She loves to ride bikes with her friends and the cell phone allows me to give her more freedom. I can always get in touch with her and it’s comforting to know that if she needs me—or God forbid, needs the police—she has the means to get help.”

Other experts argue that the rise in cell phone usage is because teens are spoiled brats who have nothing better to do than find ways to be in the “in crowd.” While that may be true in some cases it’s not the norm. Many teens understand the value of cell phone usage—value that breaks down to keeping mom and dad sane, whilst they learn to become responsible, young adults. And besides, cell phones are cool, fun, and convenient!

Security And Maturity

But do cell phones offer a false sense of security and maturity? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or a no. The answer truly depends on each individual family and how well that family communicates before and after the cell phone is purchased and used.

Yes, used alone, cell phones can offer a false sense of security. Cell phones don’t automatically mean teens are safe from predators, bullies, or other hurtful situations. And of course, maturity cannot be evaluated simply because a teen calls home on time.

But if parents and teens agree to a pre-determined set of rules, stay up-to-date with the latest gizmos associated with cell phones, and restrict usage of the cell phone, then and only then, can we safely assume cell phones offer more security than being without one.

Should Your Teen Carry A Cell Phone?

Before handing over a cell phone to your teen, make sure he (or she) is mature enough to handle the responsibility. Use the following questionnaire to help you decide:

Is your teen responsible enough to not lose the cell phone?

If your teen loses things on a continuous basis, this may not be the right time to hand over a cell phone. If an unauthorized person gets a hold of your cell phone, he (or she) can cause your cell phone bill to sky rocket.
Can you trust your teen to avoid dangerous situations?

Dangerous situations can occur when cell phones are used improperly by either your teen or the party contacting your teen via text messaging, wireless web, emails, etc.
Does your teen understand the cell phone is not a toy and is not to be used to cheat on tests, bully other kids, or make prank calls?
Does your teen understand privacy laws as they pertain to recording video, taking a picture of, or recording the voice of, another person without their express permission?
Does your teen understand school policy regarding the use of cell phones on school premises?
Does your teen understand the consequences of dropped grades as a result of using the cell phone during class (including text messaging, games, etc.), instead of paying attention to the teacher?
Does your teen understand the implications of going over his (or her) allotted minutes?

In other words, does your teen know how many minutes he (or she) can use in a given month, how many minutes that breaks down to per day, and how he (or she) is going to pay for any minutes gone over the allotted amount?
Does your teen understand that he (or she) should never give his (or her) number out to strangers and that he (or she) is only allowed to call people you know and approve of?
Does your teen understand that driving while talking on the phone is dangerous?

It’s important to make your teen understand that when he (or she) is driving, he (or she) must pull over before answering or making a cell phone call.
Does your teen understand the consequences of lying about his (or her) whereabouts?