Cell Phone Rules

My son is 13, and  I want him to have a cell phone, but I’m not sure if he’s mature enough to handle the responsibility. Any suggestions? Richards B

Cell phones are so powerful that kids need guidelines to avoid what we call the Digital deficit- that’s being disconnected (from people, including parents), depressed and disrespectful.

Teaching cell-etiquette (no talking on elevators, not within 10 feet of someone inside and never on public transportation) helps kids become aware of their effect on others, and that makes people respond more positively to them.

So write up a contract that spells out these guidelines:

No cell phones in school, in the bedroom after lights out, and no texting while engaged in conversations or at the dinner table. Also, make it clear he’s not to post photos of anyone online without permission. Plus, you’ll check downloads for inappropriate material. And he has to answer your calls.

Parents need to follow some guidelines, too:

When children talk to parents on the cell they feel they’re getting about 50 per cent of the attention they’d get face to face. So, next time you think about disciplining your child via the cell, try this: “We ‘re not going to talk about this over the phone. We’ll sit down and discuss this face –to-face when we’re home.

King Features Syndicate

Thanks,

The Hindu- Well Being,

31/03/2013