How to Keep Your Teenager’s Phone Use Under Control
Ah, the teenage years. It’s a time when a young person’s personality begins to emerge and they are more interested than ever in the peer group. Teenage social interaction comes in many forms, but the one thing that holds it all together is the phone. And even though instant messages and email have replaced many older means of communication, there will never be a replacement for teenagers talking on the phone.
Keep an eye on bills throughout the month
Keep all your phone bills each month. Then go back and review them in detail. Pay attention to the timing of the calls (peak hours are more expensive) and unnecessary calls. From this information, create a set of ground rules that your teen needs to follow in order to keep all their phone privileges.
Try a Pre-Paid phone plan
If you’ve ever opened up your monthly phone bill and found hundreds of extra charges due to overages, you know that it’s an experience you never want to go through again. To help keep your teen’s phone use under control, try purchasing a pre-paid phone, or supplying minutes your child’s cell with a pre-paid calling card. With these plans in place, you know that there is absolutely NO way they can call over their limit.
Be firm and stay safe
It is important that your teenager understands that their phone is a privilege and not a right. The more they realize that fact, the more responsible their actions will be. Also, it is incredibly important to explain to them the importance of phone safety. No teenager should be talking on the phone while driving
