Think about this – we use our cell phones to wake us up in the morning (alarm), remind us of appointments (calendar), store our memorable moments (file storage), exchange messages (e-mail and texts), create documents (Word), access the Internet (browser), and many other ways throughout our busy days.
So, when my sister punished her son (my nephew) for using his phone to access the Internet instead of waiting to get home to use his computer, I thought about the importance of teaching our kids to embrace technology as we teach them self control. To avoid extra charges, I recommended my sister get him a limited data plan (if you use AT&T, check out AT&T Smart Limits) to allow Internet access on his phone. By getting this plan, he could utilize this cool technology while keeping his usage within the structure of a comfortable payment plan. This way, he’d be armed with a technology tool and my sister’s self-control message would be enforced.
What do you think? Would you have taken a different approach?
Posted by Priscilla in Organization, Priscilla, Teens & Cell Phones Tags: Priscilla, Smart Limits
Comments (1)
Any of you ever wonder about what your teenager talks about after midnight? In my opinion, they are either talking about the opposite sex OR talking to someone of the opposite sex.
My husband and I decided to take our teenager’s phones after 10 p.m. on school nights. We let them keep them in their rooms on weekends with instructions not to use them after midnight.
I usually examine the cell phone bill pretty closely. I recently noticed several calls placed to and from my daughter’s cell phone after midnight. I asked her about these calls and she said she had to call a friend back to tell them that she could not talk after midnight. I asked her why she did not text them, and her response was that returning the call was quicker. Right then, we knew we needed to implement a parental control like AT&T Smart Limits, so we did.
I don’t know what teenagers really talk about, but I think this subject should be top-of-mind for all parents.
Posted by Priscilla in Priscilla, Teens & Cell Phones Tags: Priscilla, Smart Limits, Teenagers
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In my last blog post, Michelle asked “At what age is it appropriate to give kids a cellular phone? I do not feel comfortable with my 10 and 12 year olds having a cell phone.”
That’s a great question, Michelle!
Personally, I don’t think there is a “cookie cutter” answer to when we should give kids wireless phones. I think all kids are different and, as moms, we know our kids best. I know for myself, I wouldn’t give each of my boys devices at the same age. Having said that, it sounds like your kids are in the “tween” stage. I think having a device would be beneficial and I would highly recommend AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless™ feature. It will allow you to put the restrictions on where you see fit to make you feel comfortable and safe with them having a device, while allowing them some freedom and responsibility. You can limit how much they use it and when. It’s a great feature! Here’s a link to learn more.
Hope you find this information helpful! Let’s continue chatting …
Posted by Brandy in Brandy Tags: Brandy, Smart Limits
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