Teen Top Article of The Months
Top Habits and tips : Mobile phone boundaries setting
Make sure your children understand the rules. If they are small you can program in the numbers that they will need so that it will display who is calling them. Tell them not to answer calls from numbers that they don’t recognise.
Make rules for time spent talking on the phone so you won’t be surprised by an astronomical phone bill.
Check this regularly so you know that they are keeping to the boundaries.
Most schools ban mobile phones in the classroom and will confiscate them if found. Make sure your child is aware of the rules and the consequences.
You can ban the mobile phone in the bedroom at night. Research shows us that children or adults do not sleep as soundly if the mobile is sitting by the bed as we are always listening out for that text or phone ring – which makes us tired and less able to concentrate.
Have clear guidelines .Ban the mobile phone at other times such as meal times, or when they are supposed to be doing their homework. The phone has to be switched off or put in another room. This will save arguments and nagging at a later date if the rules are set beforehand.
Before you go out to buy the phone set a price and what you are willing to pay for credit each week/month so that you help to manage their expectations and they won’t come pestering you for more credit if they use it all up in a short space of time.
Don’t get trapped into paying out lots more as your child plays the old, ‘I need more credit in case of an emergency’ line! Be clear with your child that if they lend their phone to a friend, give it away or swap it you won’t replace it so they understand the phone is their responsibility
Mobile phones for tweens:
● Ensure that you have a suitable plan for your tween including appropriate talk time and text limits.
● Although a lot of companies offer unlimited texting think about whether this might encourage your tween to use it at inappropriate times.
● Talk to them about extra costs that might be incurred if they use the internet etc. which may not be included in their contract, as these can soon add up.
● Of course mistakes do happen but if there is an on-going problem then do speak to your phone provider to see if you can put a limit on their phone, or if you feel it is appropriate put a block on the phone.
● Make sure that they understand when it is appropriate for them to use their phones. Some schools have a complete ban on use of mobiles so this could include no use in the classroom, the dinner table or after lights out.
● Ensure that your teen understands that sending explicit photos or engaging in sexual texts is not appropriate and could get them into all sorts of problems. They need to prove to you that they can be responsible. If you have doubts monitor
the situation and let them know that you will be checking as and when you see
fit.
● Talk to them about cyber bullying so they understand what this means. Encourage them to talk to an adult if they have concerns about this.
● Ensure they know that there will be real consequences if they violate your boundaries and if necessary remove the phone for a reasonable length of time.
So what’s new?
1. New areas of concern are so called “Adhoc” wifi that would allow a person with an unblocked phone to make their internet connection available to their friends’ handsets like iPod touch or iPads which may not have a built in internet connection, only wifi. A parent may feel their child is fine as they have to use the home wifi connection but away from the home they could connect to a friend’s Adhoc or other open or unsecured networks they find.
2. Parents should ensure that children know exactly what is expected of them in this regard. Ensure that they understand that connecting to the home wifi is allowed, but any other sources can only be accessed with permission or as you consider appropriate.
3. Children do make mistakes so if things go wrong or they come across something that makes them feel uncomfortable, try to encourage them to talk to you about it.
4. If it’s a delicate subject and talking would be too intense let them know that they can always write you a letter. This might help to take the pressure off but will keep communication lines open.
